Full Answer
How to pick kohlrabi?
When to Harvest Kohlrabi
- Harvest spring planted kohlrabi when the enlarged stem is 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter.
- Harvest summer and autumn planted kohlrabi when the stem is 3 to 4 inches (7-10 cm) in diameter.
- Harvest giant kohlrabi varieties when they are 8 to 10 inches (20-25 cm) in diameter.
Is kohlrabi a root vegetable?
Kohlrabi, also known as German turnip, is a cruciferous vegetable. Despite its secondary name, kohlrabi is not a root vegetable and does not belong to the turnip family. Instead, it belongs to the Brassica, or mustard family and is related to cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower ( 1
How to keep kohlrabi fresh?
Storage and food safety
- Wash thoroughly and store with leaf stems removed. Kohlrabi can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks. ...
- To prevent cross contamination keep kohlrabi away from raw meat and meat juices.
- Wash hands before handling fresh produce.
- For best quality and nutritional value do not preserve more than your family can consume in 12 months.
Are kohlrabi leaves edible?
Kohlrabi leaves are edible. Kohlrabi leaves have twice as much vitamin C as the tuber and also significantly more magnesium. But not only that, the kohlrabi leaves are very spicy and aromatic. Kohlrabi leaves can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen. When I have kohlrabi there, the first thing I do is remove the leaves.
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Can you buy kohlrabi in grocery?
Kohlrabi is available in the produce aisle at most grocery stores. It sells year-round, although it reaches its peak during winter. Look for kohlrabi that are free from blemishes and cracks, and press to make sure the bulb is firm. You can store kohlrabi for up to five days in the refrigerator crisper.
What is kohlrabi called in English?
Kohlrabi, also known as German turnip, is a cruciferous vegetable. Despite its secondary name, kohlrabi is not a root vegetable and does not belong to the turnip family. Instead, it belongs to the Brassica, or mustard family and is related to cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower ( 1 ).
Where is kohlrabi found?
By the end of the 16th century, kohlrabi spread to North Europe and was being grown in Austria, Germany, England, Italy, Spain, Tripoli and parts of the eastern Mediterranean.
Does kohlrabi have another name?
Other names for kohlrabi include “Kohl-Rabi,” “German Turnip,” “Stem Turnip” and “Cabbage Turnip.”
Why is kohlrabi good for you?
As part of a healthy diet, kohlrabi can help improve overall metabolism and aid with weight loss. Because kohlrabi is high in calcium and magnesium, it contributes to stronger bones. In addition to other calcium-rich food sources and weight-bearing exercise, kohlrabi can be part of strengthening bone density.
Does kohlrabi give you gas?
When eaten raw or in large quantities, cruciferous vegetables like kale, collards, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, and broccoli, can in fact cause gas, bloating and diarrhea.
What is kohlrabi taste like?
A member of the cabbage family, kohlrabi carries a signature sweet-but-peppery flavor profile, with a taste and texture reminiscent of broccoli stems. When buying kohlrabi, pick vegetables that are firm and solid, never squishy.
Where is kohlrabi most popular?
GermanyKohlrabi is a particularly popular vegetable in Germany. There's no other country in the world where kohlrabi is cultivated or eaten more, which is why the German name was even adopted to English, Japanese, and Russian.
Can you eat kohlrabi raw?
Kohlrabi is equally tasty raw or cooked. Brad likes to thinly shave the peeled, raw bulbs into matchsticks (you can use a mandoline for help with this) and toss them into a slaw.
Is kohlrabi healthier than potatoes?
For starters, it's crazy-low in carbs and calories. A cup of cubed or sliced kohlrabi has just 36 calories and 8 grams of carbs - about one-third of the carbs and calories found in potatoes.
Is kohlrabi a Superfood?
Kohlrabi is an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of fiber, vitamin B6 and potassium. Vitamin C plays an essential role in repairing wounds and forming scar tissue, as well as maintaining bones, teeth, and cartilage. Vitamin C rich foods also support absorption of iron.
Is kohlrabi good for gout?
Kohlrabi is taken by mouth as an antioxidant and for cancer, heart disease, constipation, diabetes, gout, hemorrhoids, hot flashes, high cholesterol, liver disease, menstrual symptoms, a pain disorder called sciatica, scurvy, weight loss, and wound healing.
What is the best way to eat kohlrabi?
Slices and sticks can be stir-fried, and the whole stem can be hollowed out and stuffed with a veggie and rice or meat filling and baked like stuffed peppers. Kohlrabi greens are the top leaves that shoot off up the sides, and they can be cooked like spinach, or thinly sliced and added raw to salads.
Does kohlrabi taste like turnip?
In German, kohl means “cabbage,” and rabi means “turnip,” which is quite the literal name for what kohlrabi is. Kohlrabi tastes like cabbage and looks like a turnip, albeit a spiney turnip that is sprouting leaves reminiscent of a cross between kale and collards.
Is kohlrabi good for diabetes?
Anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties: Kohlrabi has an anti-inflammatory effect, which can help to reduce the risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
How do you cut and eat kohlrabi?
How to Cut and Cook KohlrabiIf the leaves are still attached, remove and reserve for other recipes (you can cook them as you would kale).Cut a thin slice off the bottom so the bulb sits flat.Use a veggie peeler to remove the tough outer skin.Slice into quarters lengthwise, then cut out the core from each piece.More items...
High in antioxidants
Kohlrabi contains a wide array of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, anthocyanins, isothiocyanates, and glucosinolates. These plant compounds protect your cells against free radical damage that may otherwise increase your risk of disease ( 1, 11 ).
May lower your risk of heart disease
Kohlrabi contains powerful plant compounds called glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, which are mainly found in cruciferous vegetables.
The Instacart guide to kohlrabi
Kohlrabi, which in German reads "cabbage turnip," is a biennial vegetable, which means that its biological life cycle spans two years. The vegetable is also known as the German turnip; however, kohlrabi isn't related to the turnip. Rather, it forms part of the same species as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale.
Kohlrabi Near Me
Buy your favorite kohlrabi online with Instacart. Order kohlrabi from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
About Kohlrabi
A cool-season biennial and member of the Brassica family (alongside broccoli, cabbage , brussels sprouts, and many others), kohlrabi is grown for its nutritious, bulb-shaped stem. The stem is crisp, sweet, and tender, making it a great addition to salads or stir-fries. In terms of taste, think of kohlrabi as a milder turnip.
When to Plant Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a cool-season crop, so it is best grown in the cooler weather of spring or fall. In warmer regions such as the southern U.S., it may be grown as a winter crop, too.
How to Grow Kohlrabi
Hot summer temperatures will stress the plant and hamper the growth of the bulb-like stem.
How to Harvest Kohlrabi
To harvest, cut the kohlrabi root off at ground level when the bulbous stems are between 2 and 4 inches in diameter.
How to Store Kohlrabi
Harvested stems can be stored with other root crops in a cool, humid place or in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. Remove the leaf stems and wash the stem thoroughly before storing.
Kohlrabi Varieties
You can find several varieties of kohlrabi ( Brassica oleracea) plants. No matter the type, they are all hardy biennial plants that look like a turnip growing on cabbage root. The stems can be white, purple, or green, topped with blue-green leaves.
Planting Kohlrabi
Growing kohlrabi isn’t too much different than growing cabbage, turnips, or other cool-weather crops. They all have similar soil requirements, location preferences, and water needs. Let’s take a look at what you need to know to grow kohlrabi in your garden beds.
Caring for Kohlrabi
Now that you are growing kohlrabi in your garden beds, here is what you need to know about keeping those plants growing healthy and to their full potential.
Companion Plants for Kohlrabi
Luckily, you have plenty of options for awesome companion plants for kohlrabi! It’s not hard to find a few selections that you probably already have going into your garden. Here are a few of the top picks:
Common Pests & Diseases
A variety of pests and diseases can attack kohlrabi, so taking special care can save your harvest. Here are a few pesky creatures and diseases to watch out for each year.
Harvesting and Storing Kohlrabi
The best time to harvest kohlrabi is when the bulbs are 2-3 inches in diameter, about 45-60 days after planting. You want the foliage to be young and tender. Luckily, harvesting kohlrabi is incredibly simple. All you have to do is cut them from the base of the plant.
Final Thoughts on Growing Kohlrabi
Growing kohlrabi might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning your garden, but it deserves a to be. With its fast-growing nature and unique look, gardeners everywhere are adding this plant to their beds in growing numbers. Make sure you add a few rows as well!
What Is Kohlrabi?
Kohlrabi is a cruciferous vegetable, just like cabbage, broccoli and kale. It comes into season in the summer time.
What Is Purple Kohlrabi?
Purple kohlrabi ranges in hue from deep violet to pale lavender. Like green kohlrabi, purple must be completely peeled before you use it. Once it’s peeled, it looks and tastes just like green kohlrabi. The leaves are just as edible, and they do add their beautiful purple hue to dishes.
What Does Kohlrabi Taste Like?
Kohlrabi tastes like a peppery version of the insides of a broccoli stem. It has the sweetness of the broccoli with a bit of the peppery spice of turnips or radishes. If you want to emphasize its sweetness, try adding a pinch of sugar when you're cooking kohlrabi.
How to Cook Kohlrabi
Peel the kohlrabi. Whether you’re cooking kohlrabi or serving it raw, you will need to completely peel and discard the thick, tough outer layer (you may need a sharp knife for this; the skin is quite tough and indigestible).
Kohlrabi Recipes
We love the ease of a bag of slaw mix, but if you want to go all-in with kohlrabi, you can peel and grate it in. Either way, this salad is delicious.
Roasted Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is simply roasted in a hot oven with olive oil, seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. This easy kohlrabi side dish makes a great accompaniment to chicken or pork.
Kohlrabi Noodles with Bacon and Parmesan
Sure, kohlrabi noodles are low carb, but that's not why you should make this recipe. Make it because it's delicious! This review from Lynn says it all: "This was great! It was my first time cooking kolhrabi and this was a big hit. My husband came back for seconds and even wanted leftovers."
Kohlrabi Bread
A unique way to bake kohlrabi into a loaf of bread! Kohlrabi is boiled and blended into a puree, then combined with white and whole wheat flour in a bread machine. The result is a loaf full of interesting flavor.
Kohlrabi in Parsley Sauce
Steamed kohlrabi served with a light yet creamy parsley sauce. Reviewer Mina Y loved this recipe: "Excellent exactly as written! Thanks for the tip about using the smaller kohlrabi- being unfamiliar than them, I would have probably brought home the biggest I could find!"
Okra and Kohlrabi Vegan Breakfast Hash
Enjoy kohlrabi for breakfast or brunch in this inventive vegan hash. Add additional nuts at the end for a boost of protein, or if you're not vegan you can serve this hash with eggs.
Kohlrabi and Squash Skillet
Kohlrabi pairs with yellow squash and bacon in this delectable skillet. You can enjoy it as a side or main dish. Reviewer Jane recommends making more than you think you need: "Doubled the recipe and it was a one-pan meal for myself and my squash-hating boyfriend who went back for seconds!"
Creamy Kohlrabi Soup
Loads of glowing reviews recommend this kohlrabi soup recipe. Reviewer Larry passes on a few tips, as well: "I make this soup in huge batches using huge kohlrabi! Nobody buys the big ones (softball or larger) but they work well for the soup. Use a strainer after you blend it to get any remaining strings of fiber out!"
