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How to Freeze Kohlrabi


Kohlrabi

Freezing is a great way to preserve fresh kohlrabi from your garden or a local farmers' market when this healthy Brassica vegetable is at the height of its season. By freezing it, you'll be able to enjoy the wonderful health benefits of kohlrabi also later in the year when fresh kohlrabi is no longer readily available. So, ready for detailed instructions on how to freeze kohlrabi? Here goes:


Preparation – Blanching Kohlrabi

If you want your frozen kohlrabi to be packed with flavor and nutrition, it is best to blanch it quickly before freezing, unless you plan to store it in the freezer only for a few days. Blanching, or cooking produce in boiling water (or steam) for a short time, destroys enzymes that are responsible for decay and loss of color and flavor in foods. After this procedure, kohlrabi is immersed in very cold water to cool it quickly. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to blanch kohlrabi:

  1. Select young, tender small to medium size kohlrabi, and peel off the tough bark. Leave whole or cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
  2. Fill a bowl with ice water, and place it near the stove.
  3. Bring a pot of water to a boil, and cook the kohlrabi for 3 minutes if you are blanching whole kohlrabi and for 1 minute if you are blanching diced kohlrabi.
  4. Cool instantly by submerging the kohlrabi in the ice water for the same amount of time it was boiled. Drain well and gently pat dry with a clean towel to remove excess moisture.

Note: When preparing kohlrabi for the freezer, it is important to use a lot of water when you blanch and cool it, and if necessary, to work in batches. Using a lot of water relative to the amount of kohlrabi means that the water will quickly return to a full boil after you add the kohlrabi into the boiling water, and that the water in the ice water bath will stay cold enough during the cooling process.


Freezing Kohlrabi

After you have blanched, chilled and drained your kohlrabi, it's time to freeze it. Here's how to freeze blanched kohlrabi:

  1. Divide the kohlrabi into portions that are suitable for your purposes, and pack into freezer-safe bags or containers, trying to leave as little air inside as possible.
  2. Label the containers or bags with today's date, and make sure they are properly sealed.
  3. Put the bags or containers in the freezer. Frozen kohlrabi stays good in the freezer for about 8 to 10 months.



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