Kohlrabi
Don’t let its quirky look fool you! Kohlrabi is a true gem in the kitchen - it’s crisp, juicy, and can be used raw and cooked. We grow kohlrabi at our organic farm in Arlington, VA and deliver it to our DMV community.
What is Kohlrabi?
Kohlrabi is a cruciferous vegetable that belongs to the same family as cabbage and broccoli. Its bulbous stem—pale green or purple—grows above ground, topped with leafy greens. Cultivated for over 2,000 years, kohlrabi traces back to Northern Europe, possibly bred by Romans from wild cabbage.
It tastes like a crisp, mildly sweet cross between cabbage and radish, with a juicy, apple-like crunch. The greens are edible, offering a kale-like bite. You’ll see kohlrabi throughout global cuisines, from German stews to Indian curries.
How to Prepare Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is easy to prep—eat it raw, roasted, or cooked. Peel the tough outer skin of the bulb (greens don’t need peeling). Here’s how to use it:
Raw: Slice or julienne for salads or slaws; the greens can be chopped like kale.
Cooked: Roast, steam, or stir-fry the bulb; sauté greens like spinach.
Storage: Trim leaves, store bulbs and greens separately in the fridge.
Kohlrabi Kohlslaw
Ingredients:
Up to 2 kohlrabi bulbs, peeled and julienned
1 cup carrots, grated
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup mayo, yogurt, or sour cream-mayo mix (2 tbsp sour cream, 2 tbsp mayo)
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (local Virginia, if possible)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley
Instructions:
In a large bowl, toss kohlrabi, carrots, and onions.
Whisk mayo (or alternative), vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper for dressing.
Pour over veggies, add herbs, and mix well.
Chill 10 minutes before serving.
Tip: Pair with Area 2 Farms’ microgreens for extra crunch.
Kohlrabi Health Benefits
Fiber Boost: 5g per cup will help your digestion and gut health.
Vitamin C Power: One cup covers 100% of daily needs, boosting immunity.
Low-Calorie Fill: 36 calories per cup keeps you full, supporting weight management.
Antioxidant Rich: Glucosinolates may lower cancer risk, like other cruciferous veggies.
Bone Support: Vitamin K and calcium strengthen bones.
Kohlrabi Facts
Kohlrabi means “cabbage turnip” in German, reflecting its hybrid roots.
It was a staple in medieval monasteries, grown for its storage-friendly bulb.
Purple kohlrabi’s color comes from anthocyanins, antioxidants also in blueberries.
Area 2 Farms for Locals
Your food should be equally accessible and nutritious. Which is where we come in. We’re Area 2 Farms, we grow fresh, organic produce, deliver it to your door weekly, and operate all within 10 miles of you.
