Kohlrabi

Back to Hawaii 064

Kohlrabi is in the family of brassicas which includes cabbages, brocolli, cauliflower, kale, collard greens and brussel sprouts. The word kohlrabi is a German word meaning cabbage and turnip. I guess its because it look like a turnip but tastes like a cabbage.

I decided to plant Kohlrabi because I was curious about the taste plus I was intrigued by it’s appearance. The bulbous part look like it could be the root but it is growing on top of the soil instead of under not like the turnips.

I might say I was successful and was able to taste Kohlrabi for the first time in my life and I liked it. I like it so much I just started some seeds ready for fall planting. Kohlrabi likes cool weather so I waited till September at least to make sure it will grow without any problems.

I started by preparing the soil. I put some topsoil and cactus mix soil for good drainage and turn the soil with a spade fork till I’m satisfied the bed is well incorporated.

Water regularly to ensure the swollen stem will not split and harvest when it is about the size of a tennis ball. They become tough and fibrous if you let it grow bigger. The leaves can be cooked just like collards and kale.

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