There is no evidence of any magical properties for this sturdy eastern European vegetable, but plenty for its benefits to your health.
Popular in German speaking countries (kohl/cabbage-rube/turnip), including American states with German populations, this brassica has also made its way to India and south east Asia.
Kohl rabi is eaten both raw in salads and cooked. Our German neighbour prepares it in a cheese sauce, in India it is found in curries and it is a welcome crunchy addition to coleslaw. While the leaves can be eaten like collard greens it is usually grown for the swollen stem base which, when cut open, is white and crisp just like an enlarged broccoli stem. It tastes like a cross between crisp sweet broccoli and slightly peppery turnip. It is not a root vegetable although is frequently mistaken for one.
Very high in potassium (which lowers your blood pressure and keeps your bones strong) and more Vitamin C than an orange, kohl rabi along with all the other brassicas is high in fibre and protective anti-oxidants.
It grows easily from seed and can withstand frosts so makes for a great winter garden vegetable. When it grows too big and old it gets woody and strong tasting so its best to sow from December to March for regular mid-winter harvesting. At 50 days from sowing to harvest it reaches maturity much faster than its cousins broccoli (100 days) and cabbage (80 days). We’ve been growing purple ones but they also come in a gentle shade of pale green.
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food ripe from my garden 
Loving this beautiful site, recipes, info and gardening inspiration, Melanie. It’s definitely inspired me to confront the challenge of couch grass, yet again, and master the vege garden. Now I’m trying growing in pots, not ideal but hopefully the Veges will not be overwhelmed at least. We used to use kohl rabi when I worked at the organic co-op in Arthur Street. Do you remember that place? X x
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Loving your beautiful blog; recipes, info and gardening inspiration, Melanie. It’s definitely inspired me to confront the challenge of couch grass, yet again, and master the vege garden. Now I’m trying growing in pots, not ideal but hopefully the Veges will not be overwhelmed at least. We used to use kohl rabi when I worked at the organic co-op in Arthur Street. Do you remember that place? X x
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Oh yes! All such a long time ago now! So glad you are enjoying this Jo, and good luck with those veges.
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Loving your from garden to table food blog, Melanie. Not only do I learn heaps, I get inspired by the recipes too. Seriously impressed!
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Thanks Triona so nice to hear that you are enjoying this! Nice to hear from you
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