Kohlrabi: The Alien Vegetable You Didn't Know You Needed
So, you're in the Big Apple, the concrete jungle where dreams are made of... and apparently, kohlrabi is grown. Who knew? Not me, until I was on a mission to impress my vegan roommate with my newfound culinary expertise. Turns out, this alien-looking vegetable is the next big thing in the hipster foodie world.
Where to Find This Green Oddity?
Your Local Greenmarket: If you're lucky enough to live near one of NYC's iconic greenmarkets, consider yourself a vegetable connoisseur in training. These markets are a treasure trove of fresh, local produce, including the elusive kohlrabi. Just be prepared to shell out a pretty penny for this fancy green bulb.
Whole Foods: For those of us who prefer to avoid the early morning crowds at the greenmarket, Whole Foods is your next best bet. While it might not be as cheap as the greenmarket, you're guaranteed to find a decent selection. Plus, you can grab a kombucha and some overpriced almond milk while you're there.
Asian Grocery Stores: If you're feeling adventurous, head to your nearest Asian grocery store. Kohlrabi is a fairly common ingredient in many Asian cuisines, so chances are they'll have it. Just be prepared to navigate a whole new world of unfamiliar produce.
Kohlrabi: More Than Just a Pretty Face
Okay, so you've managed to snag yourself a kohlrabi. Now what? Well, don't worry, it's not as intimidating as it looks. This bulbous beauty is actually quite versatile. You can eat the stem raw, sliced into salads or stir-fries. The leaves can be cooked like any other leafy green. And if you're feeling really adventurous, you can roast the whole thing.
But let's be real, most of us are probably just going to end up making a fancy-looking salad and pretending we know what we're doing.
How to Kohlrabi Your Way to Happiness
- How to choose a good kohlrabi: Look for firm, heavy kohlrabi with bright green leaves. Avoid ones that are soft or have yellowing leaves.
- How to store kohlrabi: Store kohlrabi in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for up to a week.
- How to prepare kohlrabi: Trim the stem and leaves. Peel the outer skin and cut the kohlrabi into chunks or slices.
- How to cook kohlrabi: Kohlrabi can be eaten raw, steamed, roasted, or sautéed.
- How to impress your friends with kohlrabi: Serve it in a fancy salad with goat cheese and balsamic vinaigrette. Or, roast it with other root vegetables for a hearty side dish.
So there you have it, folks. Kohlrabi: the vegetable that's here to stay. Or at least until the next trendy superfood comes along.