Very attractive with its flat, round shape and speckles. When fully ripe, it has a beautiful terracotta color and weighs approximately 1–3 kg. It stores very well.
Unit
| Graduated prices | |
|---|---|
| From 50 seeds for €0,130 per seed | |
| From 100 seeds for €0,120 per seed | |
| From 250 seeds for €0,104 per seed | |
| From 500 seeds for €0,098 per seed | |
| From 1000 seeds for €0,082 per seed | |
The Cucurbita moschata Chirimen is a unique heirloom pumpkin variety from Japan, known for its small, twisted fruits and unique texture. This variety is ideal for gardeners who want to cultivate a decorative and culinary pumpkin, as well as for chefs and home cooks who appreciate refined flavors and a unique presentation. Chirimen literally means "wrinkled" in Japanese, a reference to the characteristic wrinkled skin of the fruit.
Chirimen produces small to medium-sized fruits, usually weighing between 0.5 and 1 kilogram, with a distinctive twisted or wrinkled shape. The skin is dark green to brownish with subtle stripes and often feels slightly rough. The twisted shape makes this pumpkin decorative and ideal for festive table settings, autumn decorations, or market displays.
The flesh is deep orange, creamy, aromatic, and sweet, with a delicate nutmeg flavor. Despite its small size, the flesh is firm and suitable for various culinary uses. The seed cavity is small, allowing a large portion of the fruit to remain usable.
Chirimen belongs to the Cucurbita moschata family and exhibits the typical robustness of butternut squash. This variety is highly resistant to heat and common squash diseases such as powdery mildew. The plants develop medium to long vines but can also be restricted by using a trellis or smaller growing areas, making them suitable for small vegetable gardens or patios.
Important cultivation characteristics:
Robust plant with reliable fruit set
Heat-loving and drought-resistant
Small, twisted fruits suitable for decoration
Very suitable for heirloom and organic gardens
Prefers full sun and well-drained, fertile soil
Sow indoors from April, or outdoors from late May when the soil temperature is consistently above 15°C. Mulching and regular watering during fruiting optimizes yield and fruit quality.
The sweet and aromatic flesh of the Chirimen is very versatile in the kitchen. Their small size makes them ideal for individual portions or special dishes.
Recommended applications:
Roasted mini pumpkin cubes or slices
Creamy soups or purees
Stews and curries
Stuffed mini pumpkins for presentation
Baking recipes such as muffins or bread with pumpkin
The firm texture of the flesh makes it suitable for both slow cooking and quick preparations.
Chirimen has moderate storage quality compared to larger butternut squash. After a short curing period, the fruits can be stored for 1 to 2 months in a cool, dry place. However, the flavor remains very intense and aromatic, making this squash popular with culinary enthusiasts and chefs who appreciate refined flavors.
Unique Japanese heirloom variety with characteristic wrinkled fruits
Small, decorative and culinary pumpkin
Sweet, aromatic and creamy flesh
Robust, heat-loving breed
Ideal for heirloom and organic gardens
Versatile in the kitchen and suitable for individual portions
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*The information on this website is provided solely for guidance and to assist in selecting and growing the products. Easyseed accepts no liability for the final results.
