Kohlrabi 7 Ways
March 2016
If you do a quick online search for kohlrabi, you’ll encounter a plethora of references to its other-worldliness. In my own perambulations, I encountered “alien,” “ugly thing,” “space cabbage,” and just plain “weird.” And when I mention it – to chefs and laypeople alike – their response is one of mild curiosity. Just what do you do with this thing??
It’s true that kohlrabi’s looks are a bit intimidating. Knobby and spiky, with stems protruding from its bulb, it does sort of remind me of a pre-cog from Minority Report. Alien jokes aside, kohlrabi is actually quite down-to-earth. German for “cabbage turnip,” it is a member of the Brassica family, which includes broccoli, cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts. Like its veggie cousins, kohlrabi is very high in Vitamin C and fiber, and is also a good source of Vitamin B6 and potassium.
Kohlrabi is one of the few vegetables that is equally appealing raw or cooked. When raw, it tastes like a milder version of broccoli. When cooked, its sweetness really emerges, with hints of apple or jicama.
And chefs are starting to take notice. According to a recent Fresh Insights for Foodservice report published by the United Fresh Produce Association, kohlrabi is definitely trending. It is currently in the “inception” stage of the Menu Adoption Cycle developed by Datassential, which helped develop the report.
To show you just how versatile this vegetable is, we’ve come up with 7 different ways to prepare it. And the good news is that our Jumbo Kohlrabi gives you even more to love. For full recipes, check out our recipe guide over to the right. Heck, we even created a video for you. Once you give it a spin, we think your perception of kohlrabi will shift from space cabbage to thing of beauty.
- Sprialized. We love, love, love Kohlrabi fresh off the spiralizer. I did a version of a spicy Thai salad using kohlrabi instead of green papaya. Really delicious. We are also admirers of Ali Maffucci’s website, inspiralized.com. Check out some of her kohlrabi recipes here: http://inspiralized.com/category/kohlrabi/
- Matchstick. Great for slaws – combine it with other vegetables or use it solo in shrimp tacos
- Cubed. Cut some heirloom tomatoes to a similar size and toss with a sorrel cream for a light summery side
- Thinly sliced. Throw a whole kohlrabi bulb on a mandolin and top with sautéed mushrooms and microgreens for a unique Carpaccio salad
- Grated. A perfect potato substitute for morning hash browns
- Fried. 3/8-inch thick fries are the best. Toss with smoked paprika and cayenne for some punch
- Steak. Last but certainly not least, jumbo kohlrabi is great as a vegetarian entrée. Cut the kohlrabi into a ½-inch steak, blanch for 10 minutes, then throw it on the grill. Top with any number additional veggies or sauces, and you’re good to go
8 Comments
MY son and I were at Costco last evening and discovered YOU!!! They had a demo of yours going and he returned home with me as I prepared the nourish bowl, bacon maple brussels . Wonderful is the best description I can think of now!! My son and I both wished for more. It is great!!! I would like a list of stores where you items can be purchased. WE BOTH fell in LOVE!!! The best Brussel sprouts I have tasted, and we meaning the whole family eat them.
Hi Nelvah – we’re so happy to hear that! The best place to find our products near you is our store locator: https://www.veggiesmadeeasy.com/find-a-store/. Happy veggie eating! –Loree
My parents emigrated from Hungary and we always had kohlrabi in our backyard garden in Cleveland. Love it. thanks for recipes.
Hi Barbara – we’re so glad to hear that! Look for our Kohlrabi Linguine at your local store – it’s my newest favorite thing. Cheers, Loree
Where can I purchase kohlrabi linguine?
Hi Gloria – our store locator is the best place to find the Mann’s products closest to you, as you can search by zip code: https://www.veggiesmadeeasy.com/find-a-store/
Cheers,
Loree
My Czech father grew kohlrabi when I was growing up; when I eventually got a garden of my own (1st behind grad student housing in Phila, now my home in Chicago) I put those old genes back to work. My favorite is very young kohlrabi which I eat raw, just from the garden, lightly peeled. I love your products & was happy to see kohlrabi included among other ingredients in your mixes. Would love to find if you sell tender bits for snacks.
Hi Janet – we love this story, and are so happy to hear that the kohlrabi in our products reminds you of your childhood! As of now, we do not currently sell it by itself, but that’s definitely something to consider. All the best, Loree