Kohlrabi is a member of the Brassicae family. It’s a distinctive-looking vegetable with a ball-like shape, pale green and purple-tinged, marked by points where the leaf stems were attached. It has a sweeter, more delicate flavor than turnip.
Kohlrabi originated in Europe. “Kohlrabi” is a German word, from Kohl, cabbage, and Rabi, turnip. It was apparently developed in northern Europe shortly before the 16th century where it was known in Germany, England, Italy (where the Romans called it “Pompeii cabbage”), Spain, Tripoli and the eastern Mediterranean. It is said to have been first grown on a field scale in Ireland in 1734 and in England in 1837. In the United States, records of its use go back to 1806.
Recently rediscovered by many chefs, it has gained an enthusiastic new following and is being paired with exotic flavors in many innovative dishes.