Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes – Kohlrabi, German Turnip Cabbage, Knol Khol

Description

Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes, commonly known as kohlrabi, is a cool-season biennial grown as an annual for its swollen, turnip-shaped stem, which is eaten as a crisp and sweet vegetable. The plant forms a rounded, bulb-like stem above the ground, usually green or purple, topped with a rosette of waxy leaves. Its flavor is mild and delicate, somewhere between a cabbage and a broccoli stem.

Kohlrabi grows best in fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture and full sun exposure. It matures quickly, usually within 50 to 70 days from sowing. The edible stem can be eaten raw in salads or slaws, or cooked in soups, stir-fries, and roasted dishes. Both the bulb and young leaves are very nutritious.

Compact and easy to grow, kohlrabi is an excellent choice for home gardens and container planting in temperate climates.