The Amazing Kohlrabi

[jal_ut]

Kohlrabi, a variety of cabbage, has an enlarged stem, in contrast to a turnip which has an enlarged root. Usually these are harvested when 2 or 3 inches in diameter. It is amazing to me to see them get this large.

[img]https://donce.lofthouse.com/jamaica/big_kohlrabi.jpg[/img]

[cynthia_h]

Wow! Yes, indeed--those are large kohlrabi!

Cynthia H.
Sunset Zone 17, USDA Zone 9

[gixxerific]

Way to go those are huge.

I have seen them before but what do you actually do with them. I would assume you eat the root, correct?

[jal_ut]

No, you eat the stem.

[gixxerific]

By stem do you mean the big thing you are holding them by or the leave stalks?

[applestar]

When my kids were little, I used to cut up broccoli into "broccoli trees" (the top part obviously) and "broccoli rocks" (the stem part, hard exterior veg peeled off, tender inner core cut in rolled diagonals). The kids like the "rocks" better than the "trees" -- though as a Mom, I wince that the "trees" are greener and more nutritious Anyway, the point is I wonder if kohlrabi tastes like the "rocks?" I guess I'll have to try some.

By the way, jal_ut, those look like monsters! They'd make great Halloween decoration with facial features added....

[soil]

I have 10 of these, how do you eat them? whats your fav way to cook them?

[jal_ut]

[img]https://donce.lofthouse.com/jamaica/turnip_kohlrabi_zuke.jpg[/img]

By stem do you mean the big thing you are holding them by or the leave stalks?

Here is a pic of a smaller one. You can see the root then the enlarged stem which is about like a tennis ball on this one. Then the leaves come off the stem on petioles. I like to peel them, slice thin and eat raw. They are also good peeled, sliced a bit thicker and steamed. Serve with butter and red wine vinegar. I have also grated them small and made slaw.

These smaller ones are better eating. I did find that the upper half of the large one was usable. The bottom part was tough and hard. Couldn't even cut the root off.

Kohl rabi tastes much like the core in a head of cabbage. You need to try it at least once. I grow a few every year.

[gixxerific]

I will have to throw some in, when I said root I meant the bulb type thingy. But sounds good thanks.

Silly winter I can't wait for next year it's gonna be very different for me.

[TFA303]

I'm growing some for the first time in my Fall garden. I can't wait to try them!

Any growing suggestions on them are welcome.

[jal_ut]

Growing suggestions? Like all cole crops, watch for insects, green worms etc. Also, they respond well to fertile soil. I would also thin them to 3 or 4 inches if you want good sized ones. Good luck.

[NatGreeneVeg]

I have 10 of these, how do you eat them? whats your fav way to cook them?

My favorite is raw. Sliced thin with a squirt of freshly sliced lemon and a pinch of salt, or julienned and incorporated into a fresh salad.