Have you ever walked past the produce section and noticed a strange, pale green or purple vegetable that looks like a Sputnik satellite? That, my friends, is kohlrabi. And we promise,it’s a vegetable worth getting to know! 

There is so much to share about kohlrabi. It’s an incredibly versatile vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked, making it a wonderful addition to a wide variety of dishes.

What Is Kohlrabi?

Kohlrabi, whose name translates from German as “cabbage turnip,” is a member of the Brassica oleracea family. It is a close relative of cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. 

Despite its turnip-like appearance, it’s not a root vegetable. The round, bulbous part that we eat is actually a swollen stem that grows just above the ground. The leafy greens that sprout from the top are also edible and delicious! 

Kohlrabi has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a crisp, crunchy texture that is often compared to a broccoli stem or an apple. Kohlrabi is a versatile veggie for various culinary dishes. Plus, we love that you can also enjoy it raw.

How To Store Kohlrabi

Proper storage is key to keeping your kohlrabi fresh and crisp for longer.

Whole Kohlrabi: To store the entire bulb, trim off the leaves and stems. The bulb can be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for up to two to three weeks. The leaves, which are similar to collard greens or kale, should be stored separately and used within a few days.

Cut Kohlrabi: Once you’ve cut into the kohlrabi, the remaining pieces can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Kohlrabi Nutritional Facts

Kohlrabi is not just delicious, it’s also packed with nutrients! A one-cup serving of raw kohlrabi contains:

• Calories: Approximately 36
• Fiber: 5 grams
• Vitamin C: Over 100% of the daily recommended value
• Potassium: 14% of the daily recommended value
• Vitamin B6: 12% of the daily recommended value

It’s also a good source of antioxidants. Its high fiber content aids in digestion and can help you feel full, making it a great addition to a healthy diet.

Ways To Enjoy Kohlrabi

The beauty of kohlrabi lies in its versatility. You can enjoy it in so many ways:

• Raw: Slice it into matchsticks and add it to a salad, or simply chop it up and eat it with your favorite dip, like hummus. 
• Roasted: Toss chunks of kohlrabi with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until tender and slightly caramelized. The heat brings out the natural sweetness.
• Steamed or Boiled: You can steam or boil kohlrabi until tender and then mash it like potatoes or serve it as a simple side dish.
• Sautéed: Thinly slice the kohlrabi and sauté it with garlic and other vegetables for a quick and healthy stir-fry.
• Slaw: Grate or julienne kohlrabi and mix it with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and crunchy slaw.

Don’t forget the leaves! They can be cooked just like any other green, such as spinach or kale. You can sauté them with garlic, add them to a stir-fry, or even blend them into a smoothie.

Related: How To Cook Turnips

So next time you’re at the market, don’t pass by that unique-looking vegetable. Give kohlrabi a try—you might just discover a new favorite!

Looking for more inspiration? Check us out on Pinterest or Instagram, and join our community of Produce Moms!