Kohlrabi facts for kids
Kohlrabi is a unique biennial vegetable that belongs to the same family as cabbage. It's known for its round, swollen stem that grows above the ground. You can eat kohlrabi both raw and cooked, and both its crunchy stem and its leafy greens are delicious!
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About Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi gets its name from German words: "kohl" meaning cabbage and "rübe" meaning turnip. It looks a bit like a turnip growing on a stem, but it's actually part of the cabbage family, Brassica oleracea. This family also includes broccoli, cauliflower, and kale.
What Does It Look Like?
Kohlrabi has a distinctive appearance. Its main part is a round, swollen stem that can be green or purple. Leaves sprout from this bulb-like stem on thin stalks. The stem is crunchy and juicy, similar to a broccoli stem or a water chestnut.
How Does It Grow?
Kohlrabi is a biennial plant, which means it takes two years to complete its life cycle.
- In the first year, the plant grows its edible stem and leaves.
- In the second year, if left in the ground, it will produce flowers and seeds.
It grows best in cool weather and is often planted in spring or late summer.
Eating Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is very versatile in the kitchen.
- Raw: Many people enjoy kohlrabi raw. You can slice it thinly and add it to salads, or cut it into sticks for a crunchy snack with dip. It has a mild, slightly sweet, and peppery taste.
- Cooked: It can also be cooked in many ways. You can steam, boil, roast, or stir-fry kohlrabi. It's great in soups, stews, or as a side dish. The leaves are also edible and can be cooked like spinach or kale.
Nutritional Benefits
Kohlrabi is a healthy choice! It's packed with vitamins and minerals.
- It's an excellent source of Vitamin C, which helps keep your immune system strong.
- It also contains dietary fiber, which is good for digestion.
- You'll find potassium and other important nutrients in kohlrabi too.
Images for kids
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A basket of kohlrabi
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Kohlrabi grown in a flower pot, England
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Blooming plant in the 2nd year
