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Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi 101 – The Basics (UPDATE)

 

Kohlrabi 101 – The Basics (UPDATE)

About Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is also known as a German cabbage-turnip. It is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, so it is related to cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, mustard, and more. Kohlrabi is very popular in Northern and Eastern European countries, such as Germany, Hungary, northern Vietnam, and eastern India.

The kohlrabi plant forms a round bulb above ground with long, leafy stems growing upward from the top and sides of the bulb. The bulb can be white, pale green, or purple in color. Despite the color of the peel, the flesh is always white-yellow inside. The bulb, stems, and leaves are all edible. The texture of the kohlrabi bulb is crispy without being tough. The flavor is similar to broccoli and cabbage, often with a slight radish taste. Smaller kohlrabi may be more tender and slightly sweeter than larger ones. The flavor of the stems and leaves is similar to kale; however, they are not as tough and rubbery as kale.

Nutrition and Health Benefits
Like other vegetables in the cruciferous family, kohlrabi has excellent nutritional value. It is high in Vitamin C, fiber, Vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, manganese, folate, Vitamin B1, protein and Vitamin E. One cup of raw kohlrabi provides almost all of your daily needs of Vitamin C (93%) with only 36 calories.

Antioxidant Protection. Vitamin C is the body’s most important antioxidant. With kohlrabi being so high in Vitamin C, it can play an important role in protecting the body from free radical damage, promoting wound healing, collagen synthesis, iron absorption, and supporting immunity.

Kohlrabi also contains other important antioxidants such as anthocyanins, isothiocyanates, and glucosinolates that work together with Vitamin C in helping to protect the body from oxidative damage that can lead to cancer and other serious diseases.

Digestive Support. With kohlrabi being high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, including it in the diet helps to support gastrointestinal health. Fiber helps to keep the digestive tract contents moving forward along with promoting the development of colonies of healthful bacteria in the colon. This supports the immune system, and reduces our risk of bowel diseases including cancer.

Cardiovascular Health. With kohlrabi being very high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, it helps to reduce the risk of heart disease. Soluble fiber is known to bind with bile in the digestive tract, removing it in the feces. This forces the liver to make more bile using existing cholesterol in the process. This, in turn, helps to keep blood cholesterol in check. A review of 15 research studies found that a diet rich in fiber decreased the risk of death from heart disease by 24% when compared with subjects eating a low-fiber diet.

Kohlrabi is also a good source of potassium, an electrolyte known for its important role in fluid balance, supporting heart health.

Furthermore, kohlrabi is rich in glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, found mostly in cruciferous vegetables. A high intake of these compounds has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease by relaxing blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, and reducing inflammation. Their antioxidant properties may also prevent plaque buildup in the arteries.

Supports Immunity. Kohlrabi is high in Vitamin B6, which is known for supporting many functions including protein metabolism, red blood cell development, and immunity. The vitamin is used in the production of white blood cells and T-cells that fight foreign substances and are critical in a healthy immune system. Deficiency of Vitamin B6 has been linked to a weakened immune system.

Also, the high amount of Vitamin C found in kohlrabi also supports the immune system by functioning as an important antioxidant and supporting white blood cell function.

Low Glycemic Index. Kohlrabi has a low glycemic index, which reduces the spike in blood sugar following a meal. Eating foods with a low glycemic index can help improve satiety and manage blood sugar in everyone, including people with diabetes. Also, improved satiety can aid with weight loss and help to improve overall metabolism.

How to Select Kohlrabi
Choose kohlrabies that have a firm, smooth skin without cracks. Depending on the variety, the color can be white, light green, or purple. If the leaves are attached, they should be firm and green. Avoid those with yellow and/or wilted leaves.

The smaller kohlrabies taste more like broccoli, whereas larger ones are more radish-like and can be woody. For a more tender texture and sweeter flavor, choose smaller ones, about 3 to 4 inches in diameter.

How to Store Kohlrabi
Store your unwashed kohlrabi in the refrigerator. Remove the stems from the bulb and store them wrapped loosely in a plastic bag. The leaves will not keep very long, so plan to use them within several days.

Store the bulbs in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator with the air vent closed. This will help to maintain a humid environment for the vegetable. Use the bulb within two weeks, although it may keep longer than that.

How to Prepare Kohlrabi
If you have not already removed the stems from the bulbs, you will need to do that first. Then wash everything well in cool water. The stems and leaves may be used like spinach or kale. The peel of kohlrabies gets tough as they get larger. So, larger ones will need to be peeled first with a vegetable peeler or sharp paring knife. Smaller, more tender kohlrabies may not need to be peeled.

Kohlrabies can be cut in many ways: shredded, julienned, diced, sliced, or cubed. They can even be scooped out and stuffed, if desired. They may be eaten raw or cooked.

How to Freeze Kohlrabi Bulbs
Kohlrabi bulbs may be frozen. First remove stems and wash them well. Peel them (if the peel is tough), then leave them whole or cut them into cubes, as preferred. Bring a pot of water to boil, then place the prepared kohlrabi in the water. Immediately set the timer: 3 minutes for whole bulbs, 1 minute for cubes. As soon as the timer is finished, immediately transfer the kohlrabi to a bowl of cold water and allow them to cool down for as long as they were in the boiling water. Drain well and transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, and label it with the current date. For best quality, use them within one year.

Quick Ideas and Tips for Using Kohlrabi
* Kohlrabi may be enjoyed raw, steamed, fried, glazed, boiled, baked, stuffed, grilled or roasted. How you use kohlrabi is limited only to your imagination!

* Try sautéed kohlrabi leaves with a little garlic. Top with a drizzle of lemon juice and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

* Be sure to remove the tough outer skin before eating the kohlrabi bulb.

* The leaves of kohlrabi are edible and tasty. Prepare them like you would kale or spinach.

* Kohlrabi can be added to soups, stews, and curries.

* Add kohlrabi to your favorite stir-fry with other vegetables. Serve over rice for an easy meal.

* Kohlrabi can be cooked then added in with mashed potatoes.

* Add shredded raw kohlrabi to your favorite coleslaw.

* Try adding thinly sliced or shaved kohlrabi to sandwiches and wraps.

* When roasting kohlrabi, cook it until it is fork-tender. When sautéing or steaming kohlrabi, cook it only until it is just crisp-tender.

* Try adding some kohlrabi to creamy potato or broccoli soup.

* If a recipe calls for rutabaga and you don’t have any, you can use kohlrabi instead.

* Enjoy slices of raw kohlrabi with your favorite hummus or dip.

* Try stuffed kohlrabi. Peel the bulb, then hollow out the core and stuff it with whatever mixture of vegetables, grains, and proteins you prefer. Then bake until it is fork tender. Enjoy!

* Four medium kohlrabi bulbs weigh about 2 pounds. That yields about 3-1/2 cups cubed and cooked.

* If a recipe calls for kohlrabi greens and you don’t have any, you can substitute them with turnip greens, collard greens, mature spinach, bok choy, mustard greens, or kale.

Herbs and Spices That Go Well with Kohlrabi
Anise, basil, caraway seeds, cayenne, chervil, cumin, curry powder, curry spices, dill, marjoram, mint, mustard powder, mustard seeds, nutmeg, paprika, parsley, rosemary, salt, tarragon, thyme (and lemon thyme), turmeric

Foods That Go Well with Kohlrabi
Proteins, Legumes, Nuts, Seeds: Almonds, bacon, beans (in general), bean sprouts, beef, chicken, ham, lentils, peas, seafood, sesame seeds

Vegetables: Broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, celery root, chiles, chives, cucumbers, fennel, garlic, ginger, greens (in general), horseradish, leeks, lettuce (in general), mushrooms, onions, potatoes, radishes, root vegetables (in general), shallots, spinach, tomatoes, turnips

Fruits: Apples, blueberries, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, lemon

Grains and Grain Products: Corn, couscous, quinoa, rice

Dairy and Non-Dairy: Butter, cheese (in general, esp. Blue, feta, goat, Gouda, Parmesan, ricotta, Swiss cheese), cream, sour cream

Other Foods: Maple syrup, mayonnaise, mustard (prepared, i.e., Dijon), oil (esp. grapeseed, mustard, olive, peanut, sesame), soy sauce, stock, sugar (esp. brown), vinegar (esp. balsamic, fruit, red wine, rice wine, white wine)

Kohlrabies have been used in the following cuisines and dishes…
Casseroles, Southern Chinese cuisine, crudités, Northern European cuisines, German cuisine, gratins, Hungarian cuisine, Indian cuisine, purees, rémoulades, risottos, salad dressings, salads (i.e., grain, green, vegetable), sauces, slaws, soups, spring rolls, stews, stir-fries

Suggested Food and Flavor Combos Using Kohlrabi
Add kohlrabi to any of the following combinations…

Apples + Lemon + Mustard [in slaws]
Basil + Mushrooms
Celery Root + Nutmeg + Onions + Potatoes
Chili Pepper Flakes + Mustard
Chives + Lemon
Dill + Feta Cheese
Dill + Horseradish + Lemon Juice + Sour Cream
Garlic + Parmesan Cheese + Parsley [in risotto]
Garlic + Soy Sauce
Sesame Seeds + Soy Sauce

Recipe Links
Chicken, Kohlrabi, and Cashew Stir-Fry https://producemadesimple.ca/chicken-kohlrabi-cashew-stir-fry/

Carrot and Kohlrabi Slaw https://www.thespruceeats.com/carrot-kohlrabi-slaw-2217352

Hungarian Creamy Kohlrabi Soup https://www.thespruceeats.com/hungarian-creamy-kohlrabi-soup-1137419

Roasted Kohlrabi https://www.thespruceeats.com/roasted-kohlrabi-recipe-2216540

Kohlrabi and Cabbage Salad with Maple Lemon Dressing https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-kohlrabi-and-cabbage-salad-with-maple-lemon-dressing-passover-recipes-from-the-kitchn-217338

5 Tasty Ways to Prepare Kohlrabi https://www.thekitchn.com/5-tasty-ways-to-prepare-kohlrabi-60321

10 Delicious Ideas for Cooking with Kohlrabi https://www.marthastewart.com/1033766/kohlrabi-recipes

Crisp Apple and Kohlrabi Salad https://cookieandkate.com/crispy-apple-kohlrabi-salad-recipe/

3 Kohlrabi Recipes to Help You Cook This Unusual Vegetable https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/3-kohlrabi-recipes-to-help-you-cook-this-unusual-vegetable/

Kohlrabi Slaw with Cilantro, Jalapeno, and Lime https://www.feastingathome.com/kohlrabi-salad-with-cilantro-and-lime/

12 Killer Kohlrabi Recipes https://www.brit.co/kohlrabi-recipes/

Kohlrabi Fries https://nutritiouslife.com/recipes/kohlrabi-fries/

Kohlrabi Schnitzel https://www.elephantasticvegan.com/kohlrabi-schnitzel/

Kohlrabi Gratin https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/275789/kohlrabi-gratin/

Polish Kohlrabi Soup https://www.everydayhealthyrecipes.com/polish-kohlrabi-soup-zupa-z-kalarepy/

Kohlrabi Curry https://www.flavourstreat.com/kohlrabi-curry-knol-khol-curry/

Honey-Glazed Kohlrabi with Onions and Herbs https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/honey-glazed-kohlrabi-onions

Resources
https://producemadesimple.ca/goes-well-kohlrabi/

https://producemadesimple.ca/kohlrabi/

https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/food-beverages/cruciferous-vegetables

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/kohlrabi#what-it-is

https://www.cheatsheet.com/health-fitness/healthiest-foods-youve-never-heard-of.html/

https://tools.myfooddata.com/nutrition-comparison/168425-168424/wt1-wt1/1-1

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-kohlrabi#1

https://www.thespruceeats.com/all-about-kohlrabi-2216537

https://foodal.com/knowledge/paleo/kohlrabi-storing-using/

Joachim, David. (2010) The Food Substitutions Bible. 2nd Edition. Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Robert Rose, Inc.

Page, Karen. (2014) The Vegetarian Flavor Bible. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company.

About Judi

Julia W. Klee (Judi) began her journey enjoying “all things food” in elementary school when she started preparing meals for her family. That love of food blossomed into a quest to learn more and more about health and wellness as related to nutrition. She went on to earn a BS Degree in Food and Nutrition, then an MS Degree in Nutrition. She has taught nutrition and related courses at the college level to pre-nursing and exercise science students. Her hunger to learn didn’t stop upon graduation from college. She continues to research on a regular basis about nutrition as it relates to health. Her hope is to help as many people as possible to enjoy foods that promote health and wellness.

Avocado

Avocados 101 – The Basics

Avocados are a unique fruit often included in Hispanic foods. Their popularity has grown in recent years, so they are now being included in many other cuisines, and in dishes of all sorts. If you’re not quite sure what to do with avocados or are looking for something different, I have some ideas! Below are extensive notes on just about anything to do with avocados. Hopefully this will help!

Enjoy,
Judi

Avocado 101 – The Basics

About Avocado
Avocados belong to the group Persea americana. There are over 50 different varieties of avocados within this basic group. Different varieties may vary in texture, with some being smoother than others. Color may also vary, with some being darker and richer in color than others. The skins may also have varying degrees of glossiness.

Mexico is the world’s largest producer and exporter of avocados. Avocados are also grown in Chile, Indonesia, the Dominican Republic, Columbia, Peru, Brazil, China, and Guatemala. In the United States, most homeland avocados are grown in California and Florida.

Nutrition Tidbits
One-third of a medium size avocado is considered to be one serving. That mere one-third of this delicious and healthful fruit provides almost 20 vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, including an abundant amount of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, especially oleic acid. One-third of a medium avocado has 80 calories.

One serving (1/3 of a medium fruit) of avocado provides notable amounts of pantothenic acid and other B-Vitamins, Vitamin K, Vitamin E, folate, copper, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, manganese, fiber, and Vitamin C. One avocado can have twice the potassium of a banana! Among a list of other phytonutrients, avocado also contains the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, known to help protect the eyes from diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

How to Select an Avocado
A ripe avocado will have a slight give to it when gently squeezed in the palm of your hand. Make sure it has no dark sunken spots, cracks, or is very soft, as that specimen will be overripe. An avocado with a slight “neck” on it will have ripened longer on the tree, so it should have a richer flavor. An unripe avocado will be firm, and not give when squeezed. It may be advantageous to select unripe avocados if you don’t plan to use them right away.

Color alone is not enough to tell when an avocado is ripe. Some varieties, such as the Hass avocado, will turn dark green or even black when ripe. However, the skin of other varieties will stay light green, even when ripe.

One quick way to tell if an avocado is ripe is to lift off the little piece left at the stem end. If it’s green underneath, the avocado is ripe. If it’s brown, the fruit is overripe.

How to Ripen an Avocado
To speed up the ripening process of an avocado, place it in a paper bag and close the top. Store it at room temperature (65 to 75°F) until ready to eat, usually between two and five days. To further speed up the process, place an ethylene-producing fruit (such as an apple, banana, or kiwi fruit) in the bag with the avocado. The gas released will speed up the ripening process. If you’re not ready to eat the avocado once it is ripened, place it in the refrigerator for up to five days.

If you’re not in a hurry to ripen the avocado, simply place it on the kitchen counter for a few days. It will ripen on its own and will be ready to be used when it gives a little when gently squeezed.

How to Store an Avocado
Once your avocado is ripe, place it in the refrigerator if you don’t need to use it immediately. Ripe or soft avocados should be used as soon as possible, but should keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

How to Prepare Avocado
Start with clean hands, then wash your avocado well and pat it dry. With a sharp knife, cut the avocado lengthwise around the seed. Give the avocado a quarter turn, then cut the avocado around the seed again, ultimately cutting it into four sections. Move the halves in your hand to release the slices from the seed. Gently remove the seed with your fingertips or a spoon. Starting at the tip of each section, peel the avocado by placing your thumb under the skin and peeling it back. Slice or dice the sections as needed. To help prevent darkening, sprinkle the cut avocado with some lemon or lime juice, or vinegar.

Here’s a video on an easy way to cut an avocado…

How to Store Cut Avocado
If you’re not going to use all of your cut avocado at one time, the California Avocado Commission recommends to sprinkle the cut avocado pieces with lemon juice, lime juice, or white vinegar, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an air-tight container. Store it in the refrigerator and use it as quickly as possible.

Cooking/Serving Ideas
Avocado is usually eaten raw in a variety of ways including being added to smoothies, guacamole, hummus, salads, sandwiches, toppings for vegetables, salad dressings, sushi, ice cream, quick breads, garnishes for assorted cooked meals from soups, to meats and main dishes, to desserts, and more.

When cooked, avocado can be grilled, roasted, and added to soups and sauces. It is noteworthy that cooked avocados can turn bitter. It’s helpful to use citrus juice with them, cook them for as little time as possible, and eat the food right away.

Quick serving ideas for avocados:
* Use diced avocado as a garnish for black bean soup.

* Spread ripe avocado on bread in place of mayonnaise when making a sandwich, or on toast in place of butter.

* Try a salad of diced fresh avocado with sliced fennel, oranges and mint.

* An interesting accompaniment to a Hispanic dish would be diced avocado with corn relish, topped with a fresh wedge of lime.

* Try mashed avocado on baked potato in place of sour cream. Top with a little shredded cheese for added flavor.

* Grill avocado by cutting it in half and removing the seed. Drizzle with lemon juice and place cut side down on the grill for 2 to 3 minutes, until the edges just start to sizzle. Season with salt and pepper or your seasoning of choice.

* Add avocado to your green smoothie for a boost of healthy fats and richness.

* Avocado can be used in place of shortening, butter, oil and eggs in baking. Use 1 cup mashed avocado in place of 1 cup of butter, oil or shortening (equal parts for substitution). Replace 1 egg with 2 to 4 tablespoons of mashed avocado.

* Add avocado to your favorite hummus.

Herbs/Spices That Go Well With Avocado
Basil, cayenne, cilantro, chili powder, coriander, cumin, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, lemon verbena, mint, miso, oregano, paprika, parsley, pecans, pepper (black), salt, sesame, sorrel, and wasabi

Other Foods That Go Well With Avocado
Proteins, Nuts, Seeds: Beans (esp. black), bacon, beef, cashews, chicken, chickpeas, crab, eggs, pecans, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, shrimp, tempeh, tofu, tuna, turkey, and walnuts

Vegetables: Artichoke, arugula, asparagus, beets, bell peppers, cabbage, carrots, celery, chiles, chives, corn, cucumber, endive, fennel, greens, jicama, leeks, lettuces, mushrooms, nori, olives, onions, radishes, scallions, shallots, spinach, sprouts, tomatillos, tomatoes, and zucchini

Fruits: Citrus, grapefruit, kumquats, lemon, lime, mangoes, melon, oranges, papaya, pears, persimmons, pineapple, pomegranates, and pomelo

Grains: Breads, bulgur, corn, couscous, quinoa, and rice

Dairy and Non-Dairy: Buttermilk, cheese, ice cream, milk, sour cream, and yogurt

Other: Coffee, mayonnaise, mustard (Dijon), oil, rum, stock (vegetable), and vinegar

Avocado has been used in: Burritos, California cuisine, Central American cuisine, chili, desserts (esp. chocolate mousse), dips, egg dishes, fajitas, ice cream, nachos, quesadillas, relishes, salads and salad dressings, salsas, sandwiches, smoothies, sorbets, soups, spreads, stuffed avocados, sushi (vegetarian), tacos, and veggie burgers

Suggested Flavor Combos
Try combining avocado with…
Basil + lime
Basil + onions + tomatoes
Black beans + tomatoes
Celery + chiles + cilantro + cumin + garlic + lime + spinach
Chiles + cilantro + lime + onions
Chili powder + cilantro + jicama + onions + orange juice
Cilantro + cucumber + jalapeno + lime + mint + yogurt
Cilantro + garlic + lime + red onions + tomatoes
Citrus + jicama
Cucumber + green onions + lime + yogurt
Cucumber + mint + yogurt
Fennel + citrus (ie grapefruit, orange)

Recipe Links
California Avocado Salmon Bean Salad https://www.californiaavocado.com/recipes/recipe-container/california-avocado-salmon-bean-salad

Curried Sweet Potato Noodle Salad https://www.californiaavocado.com/recipes/recipe-container/curried-sweet-potato-noodle-salad

California Avocado Tri-Color Potato Salad https://www.californiaavocado.com/recipes/recipe-container/california-avocado-tri-color-potato-salad

Stuffed California Avocado with Jicama Salad https://www.californiaavocado.com/recipes/recipe-container/stuffed-california-avocado-with-jicama-salad

Bacon, Grape and Avocado Salad https://producemadesimple.ca/bacon-grape-and-avocado-salad/

Avocado Chocolate Mousse Tart https://producemadesimple.ca/avocado-chocolate-mousse-tart/

40+ Ways to Love Avocado https://producemadesimple.ca/40-ways-to-love-avocado/

15 Minute Shrimp and Avocado Salad http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=recipe&dbid=21

15 Minute Cod with Avocado Salsa http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=recipe&dbid=133

Romaine and Avocado Salad http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=recipe&dbid=45

Healthy Veggie Salad http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=recipe&dbid=311

Southwestern Salmon and Black Beans http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=recipe&dbid=83

Salmon, Cucumber, and Dill Salad http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=recipe&dbid=130

Guacamole https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/guacamole-recipe4-1920420

Easy Guacamole https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/14064/easy-guacamole/

Salmon, Green Beans, and Avocado https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/salmon-green-beans-avocado

10 Easy Avocado Recipes https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/popular-ingredients/easy-avocado-recipes?

49 Avocado Recipes So You Never Waste One Again https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/g2894/things-to-do-with-avocado/

60+ Easy and Satisfying Avocado Recipes You Need to Try ASAP https://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/food-drinks/g23/30-awesome-avocado-recipes-36194/?slide=6

Avocado Chocolate Mousse https://www.wellplated.com/avocado-chocolate-mousse/#wprm-recipe-container-34124

About Judi
Julia W. Klee (Judi) began her journey enjoying “all things food” in elementary school when she started preparing meals for her family. That love of food blossomed into a quest to learn more and more about health and wellness as related to nutrition. She went on to earn a BS Degree in Food and Nutrition, then an MS Degree in Nutrition. She has taught nutrition and related courses at the college level to pre-nursing and exercise science students. Her hunger to learn didn’t stop upon graduation from college. She continues to research on a regular basis about nutrition as it relates to health. Her hope is to help as many people as possible to enjoy foods that promote health and wellness.

Resources
https://www.californiaavocado.com/nutrition/nutrients

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=5#descr

https://www.californiaavocado.com/blog/why-you-should-peel-avocados

https://www.californiaavocado.com/avocado101/how-to-choose-and-use-an-avocado

https://producemadesimple.ca/?s=avocado

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/23-ways-to-eat-avocados#section4

https://www.mercola.com/infographics/avocado-uses-health-benefits.htm

https://www.avogel.co.uk/food/ingredients/avocado/how-to-cook-avocado/

https://thecookful.com/can-you-cook-avocado/

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/guacamole-foods_n_3922338

Page, Karen. (2014) The Vegetarian Flavor Bible. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company.

Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi 101 – The Basics

In reviewing a number of comments from my YouTube viewers, I realized that many people want to work more vegetables into their meals, but are not sure how to do it. They might not be overly comfortable with cooking. They may not be familiar with specific vegetables and how to prepare them. They may not like the flavor of vegetables, yet they know they should eat them. So with that, I started a new series of videos (with accompanying blogs) on “Vegetables 101” covering from the basics to preparing them in specific ways. Kohlrabi was one of the first vegetables a viewer asked to learn about. So, we’re off and running! A link to the video is below, followed by the information notes.

I hope all this helps!
Judi

Kohlrabi 101 – The Basics

1. About
Kohlrabi is called a German “cabbage-turnip” and is in the cruciferous family…same as cabbage and broccoli.

Varieties: green or purple bulbs (no flavor differences; flesh is the same color)

Both the bulb and greens are edible. The flavor is described as a sweet turnip with texture of an apple.

The bulb and greens can be eaten raw or cooked.

2. Nutrition tidbits
Low in calories: 1 cup has 36 calories
High in fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, thiamine, and also has some calcium, and a little protein too.

Kohlrabi is mentioned in this video by Dr. Michael Greger about the chemicals in the vegetable that help the liver in its detoxification function… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1euD1U2pH8

3. How to select
Choose smaller variety (3-4”)…more tender and sweeter flavor than larger ones
Smaller bulbs taste more like broccoli; larger bulbs taste more radish-like and can be woody

4. How is it usually eaten…raw or cooked?
Bulb and leaves can be eaten raw or cooked
Stems and leaves can be used in recipes like kale or collard greens
The bulbs can be roasted, baked, stir-fried, steamed, boiled, grilled, mashed, added to soups and stews

5. Fresh vs frozen vs canned
Only available fresh (as far as I know)

6. Cooking/serving methods
Preparation: Remove stems and leaves. Wash everything well. Remove the peel from the bulb with a paring knife…it can be tough to eat. (Be careful! It can be hard to peel! But once peeled, it is easy to slice.)

Raw: Can be added to salads or slaws, or sliced for a snack with a dip.

Cooked:
Add to soups, stews, or mash it with (or like) potatoes
Can be roasted (brings out the sweetness)
Stems/leaves can be used like kale or collards
Steam pieces of the bulb to preserves nutrients

7. How to preserve it
Remove stems/leaves soon after purchasing and use them within a few days of purchasing. The bulbs will keep longer, wrapped, in the refrigerator. Wash, dry, then wrap in plastic or paper and store in refrigerator for 1-3 weeks. To store CUT bulbs, wrap tightly in plastic and use within a few days.

TO FREEZE:
Both the bulbs and leaves can be frozen.

To freeze the leaves:
Wash and cut leaves into desired size pieces. Boil leaves for about 3 minutes. Drain them and place them immediately into ice water. Allow them to remain there at least 3 minutes, until completely cooled. Drain them well and place them into labeled freezer bags. They should keep for 8 to 10 months.

To freeze the bulbs:
Wash and peel the bulbs. Cut them into desired size pieces. Boil (blanch) chunks or thick slices of kohlrabi bulbs for 3 minutes; boil (blanch) small cubes for 1 minute. Drain immediately then submerge in ice water to quickly cool after blanching. Leave them in the ice water at least as long as they were in the boiling water to completely cool them down. Drain well and place in labeled freezer bags. They will keep 8-10 months in the freezer.

8. Herbs/spices that go well with kohlrabi
Garlic, onions, parsley, caraway, curry, tarragon, thyme, allspice, basil, cilantro, mustard, dill, rosemary, turmeric, marjoram

9. Other foods that go well with kohlrabi
Dairy: Butter, sour cream, parmesan, Swiss cheese, and cream

Fruits and Veggies: Cabbage, broccoli, mushrooms, carrots, fennel, celery root, potatoes, spinach, turnips, corn, bean sprouts, lemons, and apples (in a slaw), celery, leeks, onions

Savory: Sesame oil, bacon, rice, quinoa, seafood, chicken, and beef.

Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy kohlrabi raw, steamed, fried, boiled, baked, grilled or roasted! Just ensure you remove any tough outer skin before eating the bulbs and eat the leaves as you would kale or turnip greens.

In addition to being eaten on its own, kohlrabi is delicious added to soups, stews and curries. They can be stir-fried with other veggies and served over rice for a quick dinner and even cooked and mashed in with potato.

10. Recipe links
Roasted Kohlrabi https://www.thespruceeats.com/roasted-kohlrabi-recipe-2216540

Coconut Kohlrabi Lemon Soup https://cookingontheweekends.com/coconut-kohlrabi-lemon-soup/

Kohlrabi Slaw https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/215001/kohlrabi-slaw/

Assorted recipes using kohlrabi… https://www.freshforkmarket.com/recipes/kohlrabi-4-easy-ways/

Kohlrabi Apple Salad https://cookieandkate.com/2015/crispy-apple-kohlrabi-salad-recipe/

Kohlrabi and Carrots https://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/kohlrabi-carrots-10554

Sautéed Kale and Kohlrabi https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/sauteed-kale-with-kohlrabi-354974

Mashed Kohlrabi and Cauliflower https://thelemonbowl.com/mashed-cauliflower-and-kohlrabi/

Kohlrabi with White Sauce https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/145757/kohlrabi-with-white-sauce/