How to Identify Kohlrabi in your share:
This is the weird UFO looking thing. It's actually broccoli and cabbages’ odd looking twin. Kohlrabi will have a light green or dark purple skin, with white or very light green flesh. It’s smell is pungent and earthy, much like its brassica cousins, and it’s interior is firm and crispy.
When it's in Season at Hartwood Farm:
You can find this at Hartwood in the spring and fall. We grow this because in a challenging year, it has broccoli's flavor but with more reliability!
Crop Category and What it Tastes Like:
UFO! (Uncategorical Food Option)
Kohlrabi, while tasting much like its cruciferous family, is a veggie in a league all its own. It can be mild and sweet with a pungent, earthy flavor much like broccoli and cabbage. It is crunchy. earthy, and a bit grassy in taste.
How to Handle and Store:
In the fridge loosely wrapped in a plastic bag. If you remove the leaves and just have the ball part, it doesn't need a bag and can store 2 to 3 Months!
How to Prep for Use:
The leaves can be used like collard greens or kale (just need a bit more cooking). Ball should be thinly peeled and then chopped to the size/shape you desire. We find it easier to peel with a small knife rather than a peeler.
Ways to Cook and Eat:
For the tops, see collard or kale section. For the ball, it is great raw and sturdy enough to bake, roast, or boil. It's also a member favorite substituted for (or mixed with) potatoes in latkes! You can use it in any recipe calling for turnips or carrots or potatoes.
Quick and Dirty Hangry Farmer Go-To Preparations:
We often chop into sticks to dip into hummus or other easy dips. We also will skip the peeling and just grate it for a raw slaw (perfect mixed with carrots). For cooking, we chop it finely and add to stir fries or sautéed dishes, chop coarsely to roast with root vegetables, and have even grilled thin slabs of it!
Typical time to:
Steam—10 to 30 minutes, depending on size of pieces
Saute—5 to 15 minutes, depending on size and recipe
Bake—20 to 45 minutes, depending on size and recipe
Boil—We don’t recommend
Our Favorite Recipes:
Crispy Apple and Kohlrabi Salad (Cookie and Kate)— super fresh and simple! A great recipe for fall produce
Roasted Potato and Kohlrabi Salad (Sweet Phi)— an easy, filling, and cozy side dish