One brassica attracting interest is Kohlrabi. Part of brassica oleracea family, alongside familiar favourites like cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower; it still brings something a little different.
Its name, drawn from the German words for cabbage (“Kohl”) and turnip (“Rabi”), hints at its unique blended character. As the flavour combines the satisfying depth of earthiness with a sweet crispness often compared to apple.
It’s not just about flavour either. It still packs the same vitamin punch as the other brassicas with high levels of vitamins B, C and E, along with the anticancer sulforaphane — a naturally occurring compound known for its role in helping the body process carcinogens.
Its appearance when young is very similar to other brassica cotyledons, or embryo leaves. Two heart-shaped baby leaves provide initial nourishment while the true leaf develops. Here is where the distinction between the brassica really starts to take shape and the Kohlrabi’s distinctive purple-veined leaves open up. Take a look at the difference when compared to Red Cabbage, a customer favourite.
In Action
We caught up with chef patron Daniel Jimminson who walked us through how they are using Kohlrabi in their Brassica with Truffle dish at the Hammer & Pincers.
With its mild earthiness Kohlrabi is really versatile with what it can be paired. But what Daniel shows us is how it can be used to highlight the whole spectrum of what brassica has to offer.
“Every time we use these herbs, it just gives that final fresh kick that just works so well.”
At the base is a rich cauliflower and almond purée, inspired by ajo blanco. Then layered on top are roasted cauliflower and cime di rapa before the dish is finished with delicate shavings of truffle.
The final touches come from Evogro Kohlrabi Purple Vienna. With that robust brassica flavour which cuts through the richness and lifts the whole plate.
Did you know?
Kohlrabi still provides some of that fiery mustard bomb effect with its low levels of sinigrin, which when the leaves are torn triggers a chemical reaction responsible for that desirable freshness. Want to know more? Get in touch with our expert Grow Team to broaden your brassica collection today.
