Written By: Priyanka Mittal
M.Sc and MPhil in food and Nutrition

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Kohlrabi: Understanding The Unique Flavor, Nutrition, And Top Benefits – Kohlrabi has a juicy, crisp texture and a light, slightly sweet flavor that is frequently compared to radishes or broccoli stems. It is a multifaceted vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked and is used in many dishes including soups, stews, salads, and stir-fries. In this blog, we will talk about Kohlrabi: Understanding The Unique Flavor, Nutrition And Top Benefits. If we talk about nutrition, kohlrabi is low in calories and high in vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. It also has antioxidants and other good plant compounds that can help improve health and protect from disease. Kohlrabi: Understanding The Unique Flavor, Nutrition, And Top Benefits

Moreover, kohlrabi is a different and nutritious vegetable that can be a good addition to a healthy and mixed diet. It is believed that Kohlrabi originated in northern Europe, where it has been preparing for hundreds of years. Today, kohlrabi has become popular and eaten in the whole world, including in Asia, Europe, and North America.

Facts About Kohlrabi

Here are some of the interesting facts about kohlrabi:

  • In German word, Kohlrabi means “cabbage turnip”. The vegetable is often also called a “German turnip”.
  • Kohlrabi is a member of the Brassica family, which incorporates other vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
  • The Kohlrabi is believed to have originated in northern Europe, where it has been prepared for hundreds of years.
  • Kohlrabi can be grown in various environments and is sometimes grown in home gardens because it is simple to grow and grows rapidly.
  • Kohlrabi has a round stem that grows above the ground and is mainly light green or purple. The leaves of the kohlrabi plant grow over the bulbous stem and are also consumable.
  • Kohlrabi is a multitasking vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked. It is sometimes used in soups, stews, salads, and stir-fried vegetables.
  • Kohlrabi is a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and other nutrients. Moreover, it is also low in calories, making it a good choice for those searching to maintain a healthy weight or decrease calorie consumption.
  • In traditional medicine, kohlrabi has been used to cure a variety of diseases, including respiratory issues, skin conditions, and digestive problems.
  • Kohlrabi has a mild sweet, nutty flavor and a crunchy texture. It is frequently compared to the flavor of broccoli stems or turnips.
  • Kohlrabi is a famous vegetable in European and Asian meals and is frequently used in dishes like curries, slaws, and roasted vegetable mixes.

Benefits Of Consuming Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is a highly nutritive vegetable that provides a range of health benefits. Here are some of the healthful benefits of eating kohlrabi:

Good source of minerals – Kohlrabi is a great source of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are essential for managing healthy bones, muscle function, and electrolyte balance.

Can Reduce C-Reactive Protein – C-reactive protein is made in the liver and is a blood test marker for heat in the body. It is one of a group of proteins that goes up in reaction to disease-causing heat. Research done in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition explores the effects of low, medium, and high consumption of vegetables and fruit on markers of immune functions, involving nonspecific markers of heat. The study found that high consumption of carotenoid-rich foods, including kohlrabi, decreases plasma C-reactive protein. The lower your level of C-reactive protein, the lower your danger of cardiovascular disease and other severe inflammatory health problems another good reason to include lots of kohlrabi in your diet daily.

Help In Weight Loss – Plant-based foods are great weight loss foods. Cabbages, mustard, and Brussels sprouts along with Kohlrabi are fiber-rich foods, They aid the body to stay fulfilling for a long time help break down the fats in foods faster, and manage a healthy digestive system. Kohlrabi can be added to food as a side dish as well which will help in protecting from snacking. Healthy weight loss is a good way to lose weight and adding vegetables like Kohlrabi is very beneficial.

Rich in fiber – Kohlrabi is a great source of dietary fiber, which can aid in promoting digestive health, lower cholesterol levels, and manage blood sugar levels.

High in vitamin C – Kohlrabi is rich in vitamin C, a necessary nutrient that boosts immune function, skin health, and damage healing.

Low in calories – Kohlrabi is a low-calorie vegetable, making it a good choice for those searching to manage a healthy weight or decrease calorie consumption.

Has antioxidants – Kohlrabi has many antioxidants, including vitamin C and carotenoids, which can aid in preventing cellular damage and decrease the danger of chronic diseases.

Kohlrabi is a highly nutritive vegetable that is low in calories and high in fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Including kohlrabi in your diet can aid support overall health and well-being.

Risks and Side Effects

If you know that you have a food sensitivity or allergy to another cruciferous veggie, then consult with your doctor before eating kohlrabi. An allergy to this vegetable is not usual, so most likely it should not cause any negative side effects. Food sensitivity reactions to kohlrabi may be common in people experiencing oral allergy syndrome. In people with a history of oral allergy issues, clinical features such as serious itching, skin rash, skin inflammation or irritation, rhinitis, respiratory distress, gastrointestinal distress, or even contact dermatitis may be potential with the intake of cruciferous vegetables. People who are on Warfarin or blood thinner medicine therapies should rightly avoid eating kohlrabi, as the vitamin K in it may interfere with the soaking up of the medicine.

Tips for Eating Kohlrabi

Here are some tips to aid you make the most of this different vegetable:

Raw Kohlrabi

Eating kohlrabi raw is a simple way to enjoy the healthful benefits. Kohlrabi has a crisp, refreshing texture that makes it ideal for salads and slaws. Slice it thinly or julienne the kohlrabi and toss it with your favorite dressings, greens, and toppings for a tasty and nutritious salad or slaw.

Boiled Kohlrabi

Boiling kohlrabi is an easy and healthy way to cook it to consume plain or add to other dishes. Cut the kohlrabi into little pieces and boil them until they are soft. You can then top them with salt, pepper, and herbs for a delicious side dish.

Creamy German Kohlrabi

The authentic German way to serve kohlrabi is in a cream sauce. This sauce is frequently flavored with nutmeg or parsley. The sliced kohlrabi can be cooked until soft and then put into the cream sauce.

Hungarian Stuffed Kohlrabi

In Hungary, kohlrabi is the main thing of the meal when it is stuffed with meat and rice. There are various recipes to try with many meats and seasonings.

Kohlrabi Fritters

Use grated kohlrabi to make fritters. Peel the hard outer layer first and then grate and drain the kohlrabi. Add flour, egg, and salt, and fry them up for a tasty treat.

Kohlrabi Soup

Kohlrabi can be put as an additional vegetable to any type of soup or stew. It can also be the key flavor and cooked in a vegetable stock. After it is soft and adequate, use an immersion mixer to make it smooth for a creamy and thick soup.

With these tips, you can explore the versatility of kohlrabi and discover new ways to incorporate it into your cooking. Feel free to get innovative and experiment with unique flavors and cooking techniques to make the most of this unpopular vegetable.

Conclusion 

Kohlrabi is a veggie that is less popular than others but can be found at different local farmers’ markets. It is a nutrient-rich plant, and the leaves, stems and bulbs can all be eaten for a mild sweet, earthy flavor. Studies have shown that the phytochemical content of kohlrabi makes it a power source when it comes to fending off cancer, diabetes, and high cholesterol while enhancing liver and kidney function. It also enhances heart health, decreases the danger of fatness, lowers blood pressure, and reduces C-reactive protein, which can benefit the heart. There are various ways to include this health-promoting food into your diet. It can be added to stews, soups, salads, and stir-fry dishes, and it can be used raw, too.

FAQs About Kohlrabi: Understanding The Unique Flavor, Nutrition And Top Benefits 

  • Kohlrabi for weight loss is a good option?

As part of a nutritious diet, kohlrabi can help enhance overall metabolism and help in weight loss.

  • Is kohlrabi difficult to digest?

Kohlrabi can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. It is filled with fiber, which takes a longer time to digest.

  • Are kohlrabi leaves healthy to consume?

Kohlrabi leaves are an amazing source of vitamins C, E, and K, as well as iron, calcium, and potassium.

  • What are the health benefits of Kohlrabi?

It is a great source of vitamin C and an amazing source of fiber, vitamin B6, and potassium.

  • How can Kohlrabi be eaten?

Kohlrabi can be eaten in both raw and cooked form.