Early Vienna Purple Kohlrabi - Brassica oleracea gongylodes

The Early Purple 'Vienna' Kohlrabi is an early variety that produces beautiful, tender and tasty purple bulbs. Its growth is remarkably rapid. Sowing from March to July for a harvest from June to November.

Somewhat forgotten during the war because it was consumed too much, Kohlrabi is an ancient vegetable that gradually reappeared on our plates. And that's a good thing because this somewhat forgotten vegetable is full of qualities in terms of taste and nutrition.

Sometimes known by its German name Kohlrabi or Colrave, the Kohlrabi has the Latin name Brassica oleracea gongylodes and belongs to the large family of Brassicaceae (formerly Cruciferae).

Originally from Europe, it is a vegetable plant whose stem swells at ground level to form a ball 6 to 20 cm (2 to 8in), adorned with large leaves arranged in rosettes.

With its rather unusual appearance, this vegetable is somewhat cosmic and offers a delicate flavour, slightly reminiscent of hazelnut. It can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is delicious in salads and carpaccio or cooked and glazed with honey or gratin. Kohlrabi leaves are also edible and can be used in soups, like radish leaves.

From a dietary point of view, it is remarkable: it is low in calories, very rich in vitamins C and B3, and contains a lot of fibre and minerals like calcium.

In the vegetable garden, growing Kohlrabi is relatively easy. It can be planted in full sun or partial shade; it is less demanding than most cabbages but still requires good organic fertiliser and regular watering.

Harvest: it is usually harvested from July to early November (about 75 days after sowing on average) by simply pulling it up, depending on the needs.

Storage: Kohlrabi can be stored for a long time in a root cellar or basement and kept for several days in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen well after being blanched for 5 minutes in salted boiling water.

Gardener's tip: To reduce watering, we recommend mulching the soil with thin successive layers of grass clippings, if mixed with dead leaves, once the plants are well developed. This protection, which keeps the soil moist, also reduces weed growth.