Kohlrabi, also known as the German turnip, is a unique vegetable that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Its mild, sweet flavor and crunchy texture make it a great addition to salads, stir-fries, and soups. It is high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a nutritious and delicious choice for any meal. With its versatility and health benefits, Kohlrabi is the perfect vegetable to add to your diet.
List of Substitutes for Kohlrabi
Turnips
Turnips are a root vegetable that can be used as a substitute for Kohlrabi. They have a similar texture and flavor, and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Turnips are a great substitute for Kohlrabi because they are slightly sweeter than Kohlrabi and have a slightly nuttier flavor. They are also rich in nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, making them a great addition to any diet. Turnips are also relatively easy to find and prepare, making them an ideal substitute for Kohlrabi.
Parsnips
Parsnips are a root vegetable that can be a great substitute for Kohlrabi. They have a slightly sweet flavor with a nutty undertone, and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Parsnips are a great alternative to Kohlrabi because they are similar in texture and flavor, but with a unique twist.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a popular vegetable that can be used as a great substitute for Kohlrabi. It has a similar texture and flavor, and can be cooked in a variety of ways. It also contains many of the same vitamins and minerals as Kohlrabi, making it a healthy and nutritious alternative. Additionally, broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, making it a great substitution for Kohlrabi in any recipe.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that is a great substitute for Kohlrabi. It has a mild flavor and a crunchy texture, making it a great addition to a variety of dishes. It is also high in fiber and vitamin C, making it a healthy alternative to Kohlrabi. Cauliflower can be cooked in a variety of ways, from roasting to steaming to stir-frying, making it a versatile vegetable that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Celery Root
Celery root is a root vegetable that is a great substitute for Kohlrabi. It has a similar texture and flavor, but is slightly milder than Kohlrabi. It is also a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy alternative for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet. Celery root can be cooked in a variety of ways, making it a versatile ingredient in any dish.
Jicama
Jicama is a root vegetable that can be used as a substitute for Kohlrabi. It has a slightly sweet flavor and a crunchy texture, making it perfect for salads and slaws. Jicama is also a great source of fiber and Vitamin C, making it a nutritious alternative to Kohlrabi. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as roasted, boiled, or even eaten raw, making it a great substitute for Kohlrabi in any dish.
Carrots
Carrots are a great substitute for Kohlrabi. They have a similar texture and flavor, and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Carrots are a root vegetable that are sweet and crunchy. They are easy to find and can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from salads to soups. Carrots are also a great source of vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy alternative to Kohlrabi.
Radishes
Radishes are a great substitute for Kohlrabi. They have a slightly spicy flavor and a crunchy texture, making them a great addition to salads or cooked dishes. They are also a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Fennel
Fennel can be a good substitute for kohlrabi because it has a similar texture and can provide a similar crunchiness to a dish. Fennel has a mild licorice flavor that can add a unique taste to a recipe, which may be slightly different than the flavor of kohlrabi. However, both kohlrabi and fennel are crunchy vegetables that can be eaten raw or cooked, and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, slaws, or roasted dishes. Additionally, like kohlrabi, fennel is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, which can provide similar health benefits when used as a substitute.
Cabbage
Cabbage is a good substitute for kohlrabi because it is also a member of the Brassica family of vegetables, which includes other cruciferous vegetables like kohlrabi, broccoli, and cauliflower. Cabbage has a similar texture and can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, slaws, and cooked dishes, as a substitute for kohlrabi.
Additionally, both kohlrabi and cabbage are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a healthy addition to any diet. They also contain similar vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and calcium.
Overall, if you are looking for a substitute for kohlrabi in a recipe, cabbage can be a good option due to its similar texture and flavor profile.
What Does Kohlrabi Taste Like?
Kohlrabi is a unique vegetable that has a mild, slightly sweet, and earthy flavor. It tastes similar to a sweet turnip, but with a slightly more mild flavor. The texture of kohlrabi is crunchy and juicy. It has a slightly crisp texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The flavor of kohlrabi can be enhanced by adding herbs and spices. When cooked, kohlrabi becomes tender and has a slightly nutty flavor. It is often served raw in salads or cooked in soups and stews. It can also be roasted, mashed, or sautéed. Try adding kohlrabi to recipes for a unique flavor and crunchy texture.
Storage and Shelf Life for Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a versatile vegetable that can be stored in various ways depending on how fresh you want it to be. To keep it fresh for up to two weeks, store it in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. If you want to store it for longer, it can be peeled, cut into cubes, and frozen for up to six months. For the best flavor, use it within one week of purchase. To maximize the shelf life of kohlrabi, make sure to keep it away from ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, and tomatoes.
Nutritional Info: What Goes into a Serving of Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a great vegetable option for those looking to add more nutrition to their diet! A serving of kohlrabi contains only 35 calories and is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. It also provides some vitamin B6, magnesium, and phosphorus. Additionally, kohlrabi is a low-carb vegetable, with only 7 grams of carbohydrates per serving. It is also a good source of antioxidants and phytonutrients, which can help reduce inflammation and fight free radicals. Overall, kohlrabi is an excellent addition to any healthy diet and can be enjoyed raw, cooked, or even pickled!
Interesting Facts About Kohlrabi
1. Kohlrabi is a member of the cabbage family, and it is often referred to as a “turnip cabbage”. It has a sweet and mild flavor, similar to broccoli.
2. Kohlrabi is a cool-season crop, meaning it thrives in cooler temperatures and can be planted in the spring or fall.
3. The name Kohlrabi is derived from the German words for “cabbage turnip”.
4. The edible part of the kohlrabi plant is the swollen stem, which can be cooked or eaten raw.
5. Kohlrabi can also be pickled, fermented, or made into a delicious soup.
6. Kohlrabi leaves can be cooked and eaten like other leafy greens, such as kale and spinach.
7. Kohlrabi can be roasted, boiled, steamed, mashed, or eaten raw in salads and slaws.
Health Benefits of Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a nutritious vegetable that has numerous health benefits. It is low in calories and rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is also a good source of dietary fiber, which can help to reduce cholesterol levels, promote digestive health, and regulate blood sugar levels. In addition, kohlrabi is high in potassium, which can help to reduce blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease. Furthermore, kohlrabi is a great source of vitamin C, which can help to boost the immune system and protect against infection. Finally, kohlrabi is a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from free radicals and reduce the risk of certain diseases. Overall, kohlrabi is an excellent choice for a healthy diet.
Where To Buy Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi can be purchased at most grocery stores and farmers’ markets, particularly during the summer and fall months. Look for kohlrabi that is firm and has a smooth skin. You can also find kohlrabi on Amazon, which may be a convenient option if you cannot find it locally or prefer to shop online. Make sure to read reviews and check the seller’s ratings before making your purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kohlrabi
Q: How do I prepare Kohlrabi?
A: Kohlrabi can be prepared in a variety of ways. The most popular methods are roasting, steaming, sautéing, and boiling. For roasting, peel and cube the kohlrabi and toss with oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes. For steaming, peel and cut into 1-inch cubes. Place in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for 8-10 minutes. For sautéing, peel and cube the kohlrabi and sauté in a pan with oil, salt, and pepper for 8-10 minutes. For boiling, peel and cube the kohlrabi and boil in a pot of salted water for 8-10 minutes.
Q: Can you eat the leaves of kohlrabi?
A: Yes, the leaves of kohlrabi are edible and can be used in salads, sautéed as a side dish, or added to soups and stews.
Q: How can I incorporate Kohlrabi into my diet?
A: Kohlrabi can be incorporated into your diet in a variety of ways. You can add it to salads, soups, stews, or stir-fries. It can also be roasted, steamed, boiled, or sautéed. You can also shred it and use it as a substitute for potatoes in dishes like hash browns or latkes.
Q: What are some possible side effects of eating Kohlrabi?
A: Eating Kohlrabi is generally considered safe and there are no known side effects. However, some people may experience digestive issues like bloating, gas, or abdominal pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is best to discontinue eating Kohlrabi and seek medical advice.
Q: How do you select and store kohlrabi?
A: When selecting kohlrabi, look for bulbs that are firm and heavy for their size, with smooth skin and no cracks or blemishes. To store kohlrabi, remove the leaves and store the bulbs in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Q: Can you eat kohlrabi raw?
A: Yes, kohlrabi can be eaten raw and is often sliced thinly and added to salads or slaws. It has a crunchy texture and mild flavor that can add a refreshing crunch to any dish.
Bottom Line
Kohlrabi is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. It has a mild flavor and a crunchy texture, making it a great addition to salads, soups, stir-fries, and more. If you don’t have access to kohlrabi, there are several alternatives that can be used in its place. Radishes, turnips, broccoli, and cauliflower are all excellent substitutes, as are jicama, celery root, and rutabaga. With these options, you can still enjoy the flavor and texture of kohlrabi without having to go out of your way to find it.
