Variety characteristics:

• W1384 Xiang Fei F1 is an early to midseason gray kabocha squash producing distinctive spindle-shaped to short olive-shaped fruits approximately 9.8 inches long. Mature squash typically weigh about 3.5–4.4 lb and develop smooth silver-gray to pale gray-green rinds. The thick golden-yellow to deep-orange flesh has a dense, fine-grained consistency with relatively low moisture. Once cooked, it becomes exceptionally dry, fluffy and sweet, delivering a rich winter-squash aroma and a satisfying chestnut-like finish.
Fully mature fruits develop their best flavor after a suitable postharvest resting period. Harvest when the rind is hard, the surface has lost its youthful gloss and the stem has become dry and corky. Cut the squash from the vine with part of the stem attached, then condition it in a warm, dry and well-ventilated location before storage. Excellent for steaming, roasting, baking, air frying, mashing, soups, curries, pies and both sweet and savory fillings. The naturally dry flesh also holds its shape well when cut into pieces for cooked dishes.