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The Korean squash (Cucurbita moschata) belongs to Cucurbitaceae (the Gourd family). It is an annual herb. Although South Korea is the main producing region, it is also cultivated in certain areas of Japan. While it resembles a "zucchini", it is classified in the same category as "Japanese squash". It is typically harvested and eaten while still young; it has thin, smooth skin and soft flesh with a subtle sweetness. It is typically harvested 7 to 10 days after flowering, when it reaches a length of 20 cm and weighs 300 to 500 grams. In Korean, it is called "aehobak" (애호박), where "ae" (애) means "immature" or "young", and "hobak" (호박) refers to "squash"". In Korean cuisine, it is used year-round as a secondary ingredient in jjigae (stews) and soups, and is also prepared in various ways as a main ingredient, such as in namul (seasoned vegetable dishes), bokkeum (stir-fries), and jeon (piccata).
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