Variety characteristics:

• W1371 Xiao Xiang Li is a distinctive red kabocha-type winter squash producing compact, flattened-round fruits weighing approximately 1.3–1.8 lb. The bright red to orange-red rind develops an attractive glossy finish with subtle vertical ribbing, creating an exceptionally colorful presentation for gardens, farm stands and autumn displays.
Cut fruits reveal thick, deep orange flesh surrounding a compact seed cavity. When fully mature and properly rested after harvest, the dense flesh develops a dry, fluffy texture, concentrated sweetness and a rich chestnut-like aroma. Its fine-grained consistency is especially well suited to steaming, roasting, baking, mashing, soups, curries and filled squash dishes.
Allow the fruits to mature completely on the vine and harvest when the rind is firm and the stem has become dry and corky. Cut rather than pull the fruits from the vine, leaving part of the stem attached. Kabocha squash generally develops improved sweetness and eating quality during a suitable postharvest resting period as stored starches convert into sugars.