If you aren’t familiar with kohlrabi, you might be missing out. This vegetable is common in Wisconsin gardens and can be found at many farm markets.
The first time I had kohlrabi I was a bit confused – what was I even eating? It looks different than a lot of other vegetables and I wasn’t quite sure what to do with it. Hopefully by sharing some of this information you can familiarize yourself with this summer staple and incorporate it into your meals.
What is kohlrabi?
According to UW-Madison Division of Extension, kohlrabi is a member of the cabbage family. It is a German word meaning cabbage (kohl) – turnip (rabi) which describes the turnip-like part of the stem above the soil. While it may look like it, kohlrabi isn’t a root vegetable.
Its leaves actually grow from the center of the bulb that is located at the bottom of the plant. It comes in both green and purple varieties. And, although it may not look like it, it is in the same species as cabbage, kale, broccoli and cauliflower.
Kohlrabi is a low-calorie but nutrient-dense vegetable. It’s rich in vitamin C, fiber, potassium and antioxidants.
What does it taste like and what is it used for?
Kohlrabi to me tastes like cabbage but crunches like a radish. Some say its flavor is similar to that of turnips but milder and sweeter. You can eat it both raw or cooked.
When eating it, you should cut the outside layer as it is hard and not great for eating. You’ll notice the softer flesh on the inside that can be chopped or cut however you desire.
Some people enjoy eating it raw with salt and pepper, others add it into dishes such as slaws or stir-fry.
It’s also a versatile vegetable when cooked. You can cook a kohlrabi many of the same ways you would cook a potato. Think boiled, steamed, roasted, fried or even mashed.
The best way to learn how to enjoy it is to experiment with it yourself.
When can you find kohlrabi?
You will most likely see kohlrabi at Wisconsin farm markets in the late spring/early summer or fall. This vegetable enjoys cooler weather.
Many times greenhouses include kohlrabi in their vegetable plant starters but it’s also fairly easy to start from seed if you want to add it to your own garden.
The next time you see a kohlrabi, consider grabbing one and adding it to your lunch or dinner menu.