Crisp Kohlrabi
A Cool Vegetable for Dips and Slaws
Kohlrabi is a fast-growing member of the cabbage family with an edible bulb.
With its tentacle-shaped leaves and green or purple bulbs, you might think it’s an alien life form. It is, in fact, kohlrabi, a cool-weather brassica that grows abundantly in South Coast British Columbia and provides a crisp, nutritious addition to salads and stir-frys.
Available in the British Columbia from June to November, kohlrabi is named for the German kohl (cabbage) and rabi (turnip), which is more or less how it looks—somewhere between a cabbage and a turnip. Like broccoli, cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables, kohlrabi contains phytochemicals, reported to fight off some kinds of cancer. This odd-shaped vegetable also contains fiber, potassium, and is a source of vitamin C.
With a crunchy, almost melon-like texture, kohlrabi is an excellent choice for slaws and vegetable plates. This cabbage family vegetable, is a also a crisp and nutritious addition to salads, soups and stews.
Recipes:
Asian Slaw with Kohlrabi and Carrots
Broccoli Grape Salad
Cucumber Dill Salad
Where can I buy kohlrabi seeds in Victoria?
Thanks
You can find local Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island seed producers on the Farms & Food Map. (Search on “Seeds” under “Plants & Flowers”.)
I live in Comox, when can I plant this for winter gardening?
Kohlrabi, like other brassicas, can be planted from seed in July and August for fall and winter harvest. If you’re able to find kohlrabi plant starts, you can plant them into September for fall harvest. Kohlrabi matures in about 8 weeks. For more about growing winter vegetables, please see 12 Vegetables You Can Grow in Winter
Where can I buy kohlrabi? I live in Vernon BC?
Look for it at farmers markets. Local kohlrabi is in season from June to November.