Calabaza

/ˌkæləˈbɑːzə/ noun

Definition

A type of winter squash or pumpkin commonly used in Spanish and Latin American cooking, having firm orange or tan flesh.

Etymology

From Spanish 'calabaza,' derived from Arabic 'qar'a' (gourd). The word remains distinctly Spanish in English usage, particularly in Spanish-speaking regions and culinary contexts where it refers to specific squash varieties.

Kelly Says

Calabaza is the secret ingredient in authentic Spanish and Puerto Rican cooking—it's richer and nuttier than pumpkin, and it's been cultivated in the Americas for thousands of years before Columbus arrived!

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