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Kohlrabi, also called the German turnip, is a type of wild cabbage that is known for its health benefits and extremely fibrous nature. It belongs to the same species of vegetables as cauliflower, broccoli, kale, and cabbage. The vegetable is grown in different parts of the world, including Australia, England, Italy, Spain, and Germany.
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It requires fertile soil and a sunny climate for the best yield. In India, the vegetable is commonly known as monj-hakh and gaath-gobhi. Vegetables are a very important part of Kashmiri cuisine and are often consumed both rawly and cooked. Taste-wise, the German turnip has a very similar taste to the broccoli stalk but is defined as a little sweeter and tender. Here are some of the top reasons why everyone must consume Kohlrabi.
Also Read: Recipes with kohlrabi borrowed from Kashmir
* Good For Digestion
As per the study published in the journal Plants in 2023, Kohlrabi is believed to be extremely beneficial for human health as it contains an abundance of ascorbic acids. The vegetable is very good for digestion as it has a high amount of fibre. Kohlrabi has both soluble and insoluble fibre. So eating this vegetable will support the healthy function of good bacteria in the intestines.
* Good For Immunity
The journal Preventive Nutrition and Food Science, published in 2014, described the various health benefits of consuming Kohlrabi. As the vegetable has high amounts of vitamin C, it helps in preventing the movement of free radicals in the body. This automatically helps improve the body's immunity. The vegetable has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit the human body in more than one way.
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* Maintaining Blood Sugar Levels
The journal Preventive Nutrition and Food Science, published in 2014, has also discussed the effects of consuming Kohlrabi on maintaining blood sugar levels. It can help in reducing long-term diabetic-related problems in the body. Although it is a natural and harmless way of tackling one's hike in blood sugar levels, it is important to discuss the same with one's doctor before proceeding with anything.
* Great For Skin
As Kohlrabi is very high in different types of antioxidants and vitamin C, it is pretty obvious that the vegetable is very healthy for the skin and hair health. The leaves of Kohlrabi can be easily made a part of one's regular salad. The regular consumption of this salad will help tackle the problem of free radicals in the body, which will automatically solve a lot of skin-related problems.
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* Phytochemicals
As per a blog published by Harvard Health: 10 superfoods to boost a healthy diet, different types of cruciferous vegetables like mustard, greens, radishes, cauliflowers and Kohlrabi are extremely rich in different types of phytochemicals like nitriles and thiocyanates that can provide an excellent dose of vitamin C and also may help in minimising the risk of certain types of cancers.
Dishes To Make With Kohlrabi
There are different types of dishes that one can make with the help of Kohlrabi leaves. Generally, a person has to first remove the external court of the German turnip before cooking something with it.
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* Kohlrabi Fritters
Kohlrabi fritters are made by simply mixing some grated kohlrabi leaves with a mixture of flour, spices, eggs, and some selected herbs of choice. The mixture is thoroughly mixed, and one must make sure that there are no lumps. Now, with the help of a spoon, one can deep fry small bits of this mixture until they become golden brown. The delicious fritters can be prepared in 15 to 20 minutes.
* Roasted Kohlrabi
Roasted Kohlrabi is the perfect dish for people who want to eat something healthy and tasty. This dish is made by simply cleaning the bulbs of Kohlrabi and then marinating them with some oil, paper, thyme, and salt. One can also have other seasonings of their choice, and then it has to be simply roasted in a preheated oven at 180°C for 10 to 15 minutes until it becomes properly soft.
* Kohlrabi Soup
Kohlrabi Soup is a flavourful and simple recipe that is made using carrots, onions, garlic, basic herbs, salt, and pepper. Shredded Kohlrabi is added to a thick stew that uses the above-stated ingredients. One can also add some cilantro and freshly shredded cheese for a better taste.
* Kohlrabi Salad
Kohlrabi salad is a delicious and crunchy salad that is made with a combination of different types of vegetables and fruits like cabbages, carrots, apples, and Kohlrabi. Then, a simple yet delicious dressing of olive oil, garlic butter, and oregano is added to the top of the salad. One can also add dry fruits and seeds like cashews, raisins, and papaya seeds on the top.
