Kohlrabi - What is it, exactly?

[Plot10]

Last week in Lidl's I bought a mini-propogator kit of Kohlrabi for 78p. Not a vegetable that's been on my wanted list but I thought it was a bargain too good to pass up.

I have a vague idea that it's some kind of lumpy brassica but the info on the pack isn't much help (though the picture's a bit scary, sort of like a mutant neep).

Anyway - followed the sowing instructions and into the boiler cupboard it went. I forgot about it till today and I'v got loads of shoots, the quickest germination of anything I've sown this year (but a bit leggy as I left it in the dark too long).

Has anyone grown this? where, when etc should I plant it out and how do I cook it if and when it matures?:

[binley100]

Grow it with your brassicas. It gets a swollen stem that you use when it's between golf ball and tennis ball size. Taste is like turnip and I think you can use the leaves like spinach.

[Alison]

I normally sow it in modules in the cold greenhouse in about March onwards for planting out when it's reached a more substantial size and can hold it's own against slugs.

[Flummery]

Delicious, particularly if grated into a coleslaw.

[Cazzy]

I've just swapped seeds for a packet of kohl rabi. I've never tried it before either but I like the sound of something different in coleslaw.

[Snadger]

Sweet, cabbagy, nutty flavour.

Whatever you do don't add it to vegetable broth along with Parsnips or you'll finish up with a sugary broth as I did!

[trish60]

There is a kohlrabi thread on here already if you use the search:- sorry I don`t know how to link it. it is very easy to grow. looks really interesting when it`s growing and is good raw in salads or stir fries.

[sewer rat]

Don't know for 100% certain, but the variety of KR that Lidl sells the seeds for is called Superschmelz, so it's a fair bet you have that variety in your kit. This particular variety can grow quite large without becoming woody - so don't panic if it gets past the tennis ball stage - but be careful - rabbits love 'em

[Jillyreeves]

Popped into Lidl last night and bought a few seeds (like I need them) including Kohl Rabi Superschmels, but hey why not for 29p.

Not grown it before and looking forward to trying it.

[Florence Fennel]

It makes an interesting talking point when it's reaching full size! I don't think it has it's own particular flavour, but it certainly takes on other flavours when it's in a casserole. Use the search thread and you'll have loads of information and pictures.

[arpoet]

I have grown Kohl Rabi off and on for years. They are easy to grow in pots or modules to plant out when the conditions are right.
The are nice grated into stir-frys and spag boli, etc. .
If you have a glut, as can happen, i just blanch and freeze them for winter use. They are ideal in stews.

[Meschuee]

I grew them last year for the first time, and wished I'd planted more. I was very pleased with them and loved their flavour. I steamed mine in the microwave as well as using them in casseroles, etc.
Plan to grow them again.
Penny

[Patchninja]

I'm growing them for the first time too - because I read they were easy!. The recipe thread should be interesting later on!

[jacob marley]

A mate of mine used to grow Kohl rabi when he used to do a lot of showing he said it put a bit of colour in the collection on the show bench..jacob

[taskey]

it is a big thing over here in germany. You can eat it raw, rather like and apple too. I put it in my kids lunch box for something different.

Tracy