Kohlrabi - Okapi/Kara-rapi

Translated from German, kohlrabi means cabbage-turnip.

These two names explain the taste and texture of kohlrabi, although it is milder and sweeter than either of them. It is not a root vegetable, but rather a stem that swells to a turnip-shape above the ground. It is a member of the brassica family. The inside flesh of kohlrabi is pale green, slightly sweet, and crispy. The taste of kohlrabi is similar to broccoli stems or cabbage heart, but sweeter.

What to look for

Select firm smooth skinned kohlrabi.

Availability

Available: all year
Limited supply: September to October

Store

In the refrigerator vegetable drawer.

How to prepare

Prepare kohlrabi in a similar way to turnips. Cut off the base and trim or remove the stalks. Boil, steam or microwave whole if they are small, otherwise slice first. Peel after cooking for to retain nutrients and for maximum flavour. Kohlrabi can be peeled, sliced or grated, and eaten raw.

Ways to eat

Serve steamed, mashed or in a stir fry. Bake, stuff, or add to soups, braises or stews. Young kohlrabi can be eaten raw, sliced or finely grated in a salad. Kohlrabi leaves are very high in nutrients and can be treated like spinach – eaten raw or cooked. Kohlrabi can be peeled, sliced and grated and used in salads, sandwiches, wraps or sliced and eaten as a snack. 

Cooking methods

Bake, boil, microwave, steam, stew.

Nutrition

Kohlrabi is a good source of vitamin C and a source of dietary fibre. Like other members of the brassica family, kohlrabi is a rich source of phytonutrients, including glucosinolates and phenolic compounds.

Nutrition table

KOHLRABI Raw      
Nutrition Information        
Serving Size: 75g   
  Average Quantity
per serving
% Daily Intake per serve Average Quantity
per 100g
 
Energy (kJ) 84                1                  112               Energy - low
Protein (g) 1.2               2                  1.6                
Fat, total (g) 0.1               0                  0.1                
 - saturated (g) 0.01             0                  0.01               
Available carbohydrate (g) 2.3               1                  3.1                
 - sugars (g) 2.2               2                  3                  Sugar - low, Sugar - % free
Dietary Fibre (g) 2.7               9                  3.6               Source
Sodium (mg) 82                4                  110                
Vitamin C (mg) 20.2 51% RDI* 27 A good source of vitamin C
Percentage Daily Intakes are based on an average adult diet of 8700 kJ  
Your daily Intakes may be higher or lower depending on your energy needs.  
 *Recommended Dietary Intake (Average Adult)  
Source: New Zealand Food Composition Database online accessed May 2024

 

Retailing

Many customers will not know how to use kohlrabi, so use the QR code on labels.

Store at 0°C with a relative humidity of 90-100%.

Purchase kohlrabi with the New Zealand GAP logo.