We continue our exploration of somewhat weird and possibly confusing produce!

How to Cook Kohlrabi

So far we’ve tackled:

And now…. it’s kohlrabi’s turn!


What is Kohlrabi?

Kohlrabi is a member of the cruciferous, or cabbage, vegetable family, with an edible bulb and also edible leaves.

What Do Kohlrabi Look Like?

Kind of like a UFO. Kohlrabi are about the size of an orange, heavy for their size, with a bunch of stems sticking out willy nilly, and then often some collard-green like leaves stick out from the top (unless they were trimmed off).  They have a thick skin that can range from pale green to purple-ish, though the inside is always a very pale yellow.

How to Cook Kohlrabi

What Does Kohlrabi Taste Like?

It reminds me in taste and texture of peeled broccoli stems, with a bit of peppery radish thrown in.

Are Kohlrabi Leaves Edible?

The leaves are edible (the freshest kohlrabi will still have the leaves attached, which can be eaten raw or cooked like any greens).

How Do I Prepare Kohlrabi?

Peel it very thoroughly (you may need a sharp knife for this, as the skin is quite tough and indigestible) and cube, slice, julienne or grate it and use as the recipe directs.

How Do You Cook Kohlrabi?

Kohlrabi can be cooked—boiled or steamed (and then also mashed), sautéed, roasted or fried, but I more often than not use it raw for its appealing mild flavor and pronounced crispness. Julienne or grate it into your salad for a great crunch and a fresh but slightly spicy flavor.

Asian Kohlrabi and Apple Slaw / Photo by Kerri Brewer / Katie Workman / themom100.com

How Should I Choose Kohlrabi?

The smaller ones tend to be more tender and flavorful, but the large ones are also fine for cooking and eating.  Select small, hard, unblemished bulbs, that are heavy for their size.

What is the world is kohlrabi and what do I do with it? Here’s everything you need to know about how to buy, store, and cook kohlrabi!

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How Should You Store Kohlrabi?

If they bulbs have leaves, cut them off, and store both the bulbs and the leaves separately in plastic bags in the refrigerator for up to a week for the leaves, at least a couple of weeks for the bulbs (as long as they are unpeeled). If you store the leaves and bulb separately each will stay fresher. If you have cool dry storage, you can store the bulbs there instead of the fridge.

How Does Kohlrabi Grow?

The bulb grows underground, the leaves above ground, though as the plant matures the bulb starts to emerge from the ground.

When Is Kohlrabi in Season?

Winter and Spring, but they are often available all year long.

Is Kohlrabi Nutritious?

Kohlrabi is high in fiber and vitamin C. It is extremely low in calories, about 40 calories per cup.

Carrot, Cabbage and Kohlrabi Slaw with Miso Dressing / Photo by Kerri Brewer / Katie Workman / themom100.com

Kohlrabi Recipes to Try

Kohlrabi, Green Cabbage, and Broccoli Rabe Slaw from Katie Workman/ themom100.com

Kohlrabi, Green Cabbage, and Broccoli Rabe Slaw

This is a surprising slaw with a lot of crunch. And a great way to use up a bit of leftover cooked broccoli rabe.

Asian Kohlrabi and Apple Slaw / Photo by Kerri Brewer / Katie Workman / themom100.com

Asian Kohlrabi and Apple Slaw

A surprising and refreshing slaw.

Crunchy Mixed Green Salad

Crunchy Mixed Green Salad

There’s always a green salad with dinner in our house, the crunchier the better. If I told you how many hearts of romaine we go through in a week you’d be unsettled.

Spinach, Radish, and Kohlrabi Salad with Preserved Lemons

Spinach, Radish, and Kohlrabi Salad with Preserved Lemons

Very clean and crunchy, and me oh my is it pretty.

Comments

    1. Not sure what you are asking – do you mean where can you get kohlrabi? It’s found in the produce section of well stocked grocery stores.

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