Noto Town, Anamizu Town, Nanao City, Nakanoto Town
This is one of the traditional Noto vegetables approved by the Noto Vegetable Promotion Association. It is a kind of annual western pumpkin, which belongs to C. pepo, Cucurbita, Cucurbitaceae. It is oval-shaped and 20~30cm long. Good ones are yellow and heavy. It was introduced to Japan from China in the 19th century, and is now grown widely in northern and central areas of the main island. While it is not clear when it was imported to Noto; there are ancient records of it being eaten on the memorial day of Priest Shinran, the originator of the Jodo Shin Sect of Buddhism. It was named so because it separates into thin threads when sliced and boiled. It is also called “somen noodle squash” or “thread pumpkin”. It is harvested from mid-July through August. It contains thread-like fibers and much water; it has a high diuretic effect and is effective for appetite stimulation and health control.