How to grow Kohlrabi Microgreens

If you’re ready to learn how to grow kohlrabi microgreens then you’ve come to the right place! Microgreens are becoming increasingly popular as they are fast-growing and generally provide far more nutrients than the mature plant does.

Better still, they’re surprisingly easy to grow and you don’t need a lot of space; you can even grow them inside your house.

Kohlrabi is German for cabbage turnip, although it is often called the German turnip. It belongs to the same family as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. You can eat the stem and the leaves but, surprisingly, it is not actually the same species as the turnip!

The kohlrabi microgreens can be grown in as little as 2 weeks, they’re ready to eat once the first leaves appear and have lavender colored stems with green leaves. If you prefer you can wait for the second set of leaves to appear, this is referred to as true leaf kohlrabi microgreens.

It is also worth noting that this particular microgreen is often referred to as purple kohlrabi; simply because of the beautiful purple color of its stems.

Kohlrabi Microgreens Health Benefits

As with most microgreens, there are an array of health benefits associated with eating these delicious stems:

• Better Digestion

Because of the relationship between kohlrabi microgreens and broccoli it has many of the same nutrients and benefits that other cruciferous vegetables have. This includes plenty of fiber which is very beneficial to your digestive system.

It will help to move food through your bowels, promoting regular movement and eliminating constipation.

• Weight Loss

Because it is full of fiber you’ll feel fuller for longer after eating. This will help you to resist the temptation to snack; which can help you to lose weight. Of course, for it to be really effective, you’ll need to be monitoring your food intake and ensuring you’re consuming fewer calories than you need.

• Bone Strength

Kohlrabi microgreens have a high level of calcium, iron, and manganese; all of which are useful in boosting bone strength. This can prevent the issues often associated with old age; almost making kohlrabi microgreens the elixir of life that so many seek.

• Energy Increase

Potassium is actually essential to good muscle and nerve activity. Having enough potassium in your diet will help you to feel energetic and remain sharp throughout the day.

Kohlrabi microgreens are full of potassium; helping you t maintain this energy level. You’ll feel like a new person.

• Blood Pressure

Potassium is also good for your heart and blood circulation. It effectively eases tension on your arteries and other blood vessels. This will improve the oxygen flow around your body and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Again, kohlrabi microgreens have a lot of potassium in them!

• Reduces Cancer Risk

You’ll be pleased to learn that kohlrabi microgreens can also reduce your likelihood of contracting cancer, particularly prostate or breast cancer.

It’s due to the potent phytochemicals present in this plant.

How to Grow Kohlrabi Microgreens

• soak: No, you can plant them straight away.
• Rinse/drain: No, you’ll just need to water enough to keep the soil moist.
• Time to germinate: 2-3 days
• Time to harvest: 14 days

Step by step guide to growing kohlrabi microgreens

Step 1 – Get Ready

You’ll need a tray in which to grow your kohlrabi microgreens. One sized 10×20 is a good starting point. It should have drainage in the bottom so that you can place a water tray underneath and avoid getting the soil too wet.

Kohlrabi microgreens like moist soil but they don’t want or need to be drenched with water. Your tray will need to have 1-2 inches of a growing medium; it doesn’t need to be packed down but you do need to ensure it is all moist before you plant your seeds.

It’s best to plant 3-4 tablespoons of seeds on your moisten soil, scattering them lightly across the top.

If you prefer, you can use coconut coir with a little earthworm casting; this will provide your seeds with the nutrients they need to flourish.

Step 2 – Germinate

Once you’ve planted the seeds you should cover the tray with another tray; effectively blocking the light out.  It shouldn’t be necessary to water during this stage of the process.

You can expect to see signs of germination on day 2 or 3; at this stage, you can remove the lid and relocate the plants to a well-lit area; it doesn’t need to be direct sunlight.

Step 3 – Growing

All you need to do for the next 2 -13 days is to monitor the plants. If they appear dry then add some water either to the water tray or the soil around the plants; try not to get water on the plants.

They will grow quickly until they are ready to harvest.

Step 4 –  Harvest

Once the plants are between 2 and 3 inches tall you can harvest them. They can then be consumed straight away and will be delicious.

FAQ

When to harvest kohlrabi microgreens

You can actually harvest them at any time between 5 and 14 days; they are one of the fastest growing microgreens.

How to eat kohlrabi microgreens

Add them to your salad, their distinctive and vibrant color will improve the look of any dish. You can also use it wherever you would normally use spinach or kale; in a sandwich, or simply as a garnish.

It can be cooked but it is better to eat it raw as you’ll retain far more of the valuable nutrients and health benefits.

How to harvest kohlrabi microgreens

Harvesting is the same as any microgreen. Cut the stems close to the growing medium; but not so close that you get the medium on your plants.

You may prefer to harvest a few each day, tasting unit you have the perfect flavor for your taste buds.

How to store kohlrabi microgreens

As with most microgreens, they prefer to be eaten fresh than stored. However, they can be stored for up to a week, providing they are dry when stored.

You should avoid getting water on the leaves during the growing process. Once harvested you simply place the plants between 2 paper towels and then dab them gently to dry them.

They can then be placed in a plastic bag or similar container and stored in your refrigerator. It’s best not to try to keep them longer than a week.

What do kohlrabi microgreens taste like?

Kohlrabi microgreens do have a taste similar to turnips, this may be where the name actually originated from. They are sweeter and make a great complement to any dish. In fact, you would probably describe them more like a sweet broccoli taste.

If you like the taste of kohlrabi microgreens you can produce a batch every two weeks, throughout the year; you’ll never run out of them!