Kohlrabi Facts
Kohlrabi Facts
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Interesting Kohlrabi Facts: |
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Kohlrabi is odd-looking plant. It has thick, roundish stem that can reach 6 to 18 inches in height, depending on the variety. |
Kohlrabi develops big, cabbage-like leaves with irregular wavy edges and long petioles. They can be green or purple-greenish colored. |
Kohlrabi produces yellow or white-colored flowers arranged in the cross-shaped (cruciform) clusters on top of the flowering stalks. |
Fruit of kohlrabi is 4 to 5 inches long seedpod filled with small seed. |
Kohlrabi propagates via seed. Farmers often plant kohlrabi two times per year (during the spring and autumn). Plant is ready for the harvest usually 55 to 60 days after sowing. |
Depending on the cultivar, kohlrabi can reach 2 to 4 inches in diameter and 5 ounces of weight. It remains edible 30 days after the harvest (when stored in the refrigerator). |
Kohlrabi is not root vegetable. Edible part of the plant is bulbous, modified stem which grows above the ground. |
There are two main varieties of kohlrabi: white (light-green colored) and purple. Color of the cultivar refers to the color of the stem (skin on the surface). All varieties of kohlrabi have creamy-white flesh (regardless of the color of the skin). |
Name "kohlrabi" originates from German words: "kohl" which means "cabbage" and "rube" which means "turnip". Name of the plant refers to the origin of kohlrabi (wild cabbage) and turnip-like taste of this vegetable. |
Kohlrabi is rich source of vitamin C and vitamins of the B group and minerals such as copper, calcium, potassium and magnesium. 100 g of raw kohlrabi contains only 27 calories. |
Young, fresh kohlrabi has sweet, rich flavor that resembles a mix of radish and a cucumber. It has juicy, crispy texture. Over-matured kohlrabi is woody and unpalatable. Kohlrabi can be consumed fresh or used for the preparation of various soups and dishes made of meat. |
Leaves and leaf stalks of kohlrabi are also edible. They are sometimes used for decoration of the prepared dishes. |
Some varieties of kohlrabi are cultivated as food for cattle. |
Kohlrabi contains substances that can prevent development of certain types of cancer. |
Kohlrabi can be cultivated as annual (lifespan: one year) or biennial (lifespan: 2 years) plant. |
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