Kohlrabi

• History:Kohlrabi came to the United States from Europe. It's name literally means cabbage-turnip. Kohlrabi can be planted for both spring and fall harvest. It comes in white, actually green, and purple varieties.


• Storage:Store kohlrabi with leaves on to maintain freshness. However, they can be stored sans leaves if you are short on space. Either way, store kohlrabi in your refrigerator crisper. Since they are so bulky, it is usually easier to simply use them right away.


• Nutrition: good source of vitamin C and potassium and are low in both sodium and calories. One cup of diced and cooked kohlrabi contains 140% of the recommended daily allowance for vitamin C and only 40 calories.

Going by either Kohlrabi or Kohl Rabi, it is often mistaken for a root vegetable and can be enjoyed freshly grated or sliced in salads, cut up for dipping, or for making 'kohlslaw'. I would like to try one of the recipes below depending on the size and quantity in my share.

Kohlrabi Gratin (Anna Barnes) Serves 4-6

kohlrabi with leaves

1 T butter or olive oil

1 clove garlic or 1/2 garlic scape thinly sliced

2 - 3 T sliced green or bulb onion

3 - 4 c stock

3 - 4 T flour

salt and pepper to taste

2 ounces sharp cheddar or other strong cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Remove greens from kohlrabi and set aside. Cut off roots and tops of kohlrabi and trim off fibrous outer layer. Slice into 1/4" slices or cube into 1/2" pieces. Wash greens. Remove stems using a knife to make v-cuts in the leaves. Stack several leaves together, roll like a cigar, and thinly slice into strips 1/8" to 1/4" wide. Repeat.

In a large pan heat 4 qts. water to a boil. Add leaves. Test for tenderness and bitterness. Cook until leaves are on the verge of losing their bright green color. Remove and drain. In a large saute pan, heat butter or oil. Saute garlic and onion for 2 min. Remove, set aside. Add 3 c stock to pan, bring to a low boil. Add kohlrabi bulb pieces. Cook until tender crisp. Remove from pan.

Remove 1 c stock and into it stir flour. Add back to stock in saute pan. Salt and pepper to taste. Stir to prevent lumps. Add onion, kohlrabi, and kohlrabi leaves. Coat with sauce. Add 1/2 to 1 c more stock if mixture is too dry. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Transfer to a greased 2-3 quart dish. Top with grated cheese. Bake until cheese is brown, approx. 15 to 20 min.

Kohlrabi with Parmesan
2 large or 3 medium kohlrabi, stalks and leaves removed

2 T unsalted butter or olive oil, or combination

1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese

salt and pepper to taste

1 T minced parsley


Peel kohlrabi to remove fibrous outer layer. Shred with grater or food processor. Heat a medium skillet to medium heat. Add butter and/or oil. When fat is hot, add kohlrabi. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetable is tender, about 8 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir. Toss with cheese. Cook until cheese melts, about 1 minute. Garnish with parsley. Serve hot. Serves 4.




Much of this informative information along with recipes was found at http://www.prairielandcsa.org/recipes/kohlrabi.html