Discover the Delight of Early White Vienna Kohlrabi
Early White Vienna kohlrabi is a charming heirloom vegetable that has been delighting gardeners and cooks since before 1860. This unique brassica, often called the "German turnip," features pale green bulbs with crisp, white flesh that's sweet and mild, perfect for those seeking nutritious, easy-to-grow options to enhance their healthy lifestyle. Whether you're new to gardening or a seasoned enthusiast looking for cool-season crops that support wellness through fresh, homegrown produce, early white Vienna kohlrabi offers incredible value with its high yields, cold hardiness, and versatile uses in the kitchen.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about growing and enjoying early white Vienna kohlrabi, from its rich history and health benefits to practical planting tips, variety comparisons, and mouthwatering recipes. If you're searching for a low-calorie vegetable packed with vitamins and fiber to boost your diet, this is the one to try.
What Makes Early White Vienna Kohlrabi So Special?
Early white Vienna kohlrabi stands out among brassicas for its above-ground swollen stem that forms a tender, globe-shaped bulb. Unlike root vegetables, the edible part grows right on the stem, making it quick to harvest and visually intriguing in the garden. This pre-1860 heirloom variety produces light green skins with creamy white interiors that taste like a cross between a mild turnip and broccoli stem crisp, juicy, and subtly sweet.
People often search for early white Vienna kohlrabi because it's an underrated superfood that's easy to grow in home gardens, especially in cooler climates. Its fast maturity (around 55 days) and frost tolerance make it ideal for spring and fall plantings, providing fresh produce when other crops might struggle. Plus, the leaves are edible too, adding even more nutritional bang for your buck.
According to reliable sources like the University of Illinois Extension, kohlrabi varieties like this one thrive in well-drained soil and offer excellent dietary fiber and antioxidants.
The Impressive Health Benefits of Kohlrabi
Incorporating early white Vienna kohlrabi into your meals is a smart choice for anyone focused on health and wellness. This vegetable is low in calories (about 27 per cup) yet loaded with essential nutrients. It's particularly rich in vitamin C one cup provides over 100% of your daily needs, supporting immune function and skin health.
Kohlrabi also delivers potent antioxidants like glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, which research from Healthline links to reduced inflammation and potential protection against certain diseases. The high fiber content aids digestion, helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and promotes heart health by managing cholesterol.
For those pursuing a plant-based or anti-inflammatory diet, early white Vienna kohlrabi is a standout. Its potassium supports blood pressure regulation, while folate benefits overall cellular health. Studies highlighted on WebMD note that cruciferous vegetables like kohlrabi contribute to better gut health through their prebiotic fibers.
Eating early white Vienna kohlrabi raw maximizes these benefits, preserving heat-sensitive vitamins. Whether sliced into salads or steamed lightly, it adds crunch and nutrition without overwhelming flavors.
Nutritional Breakdown of Early White Vienna Kohlrabi
To give you a clearer picture, here's what a typical serving offers:
- Vitamin C: Boosts immunity and collagen production.
- Fiber: Soluble and insoluble types for digestive wellness.
- Vitamin B6: Supports energy metabolism.
- Manganese and copper: Aid in antioxidant defense.
Regular consumption can contribute to weight management, as it's filling yet low-calorie, making early white Vienna kohlrabi a favorite for health-conscious eaters.
How to Grow Early White Vienna Kohlrabi Successfully
Growing early white Vienna kohlrabi is straightforward and rewarding, especially for beginners. This cool-season crop prefers temperatures between 45°F and 75°F, making it perfect for early spring or fall gardens.
Start by selecting quality seeds from trusted sources like Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, known for their pure heirloom varieties.
Planting Tips for Early White Vienna Kohlrabi
Sow seeds directly outdoors as soon as the soil is workable in spring, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Plant ¼ inch deep, spacing 4-6 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches wide. Thin seedlings to 6 inches for optimal bulb development.
Early white Vienna kohlrabi needs full sun to partial shade and fertile, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Amend with compost for best results. Consistent moisture is key aim for even watering to prevent cracking or woodiness.
Succession planting every two weeks ensures continuous harvests. In fall, sow 8-10 weeks before the first frost for sweeter bulbs enhanced by cool weather.
Common Pests and Problems with Early White Vienna Kohlrabi
Watch for flea beetles and cabbage worms. Use row covers early on, as recommended by the Royal Horticultural Society. Crop rotation prevents clubroot.
Harvest when bulbs reach 2-3 inches in diameter for peak tenderness. Larger ones can become tough, though light frosts sweeten the flavor.
Container growing works well in pots at least 12 inches deep great for urban gardeners wanting fresh early white Vienna kohlrabi.
Comparing Kohlrabi Varieties: White vs. Purple and Giant Types
While early white Vienna kohlrabi is a classic green-skinned favorite, exploring related varieties adds diversity to your garden.
Purple Vienna Kohlrabi
Purple Vienna kohlrabi is a close cousin with vibrant purple skins and similar white flesh. It's slightly larger and sometimes more flavorful, with added anthocyanins for extra antioxidant benefits. Both mature around 55-60 days, but purple types may resist some pests better.
White Kohlrabi Options and Organic Seeds
Standard white kohlrabi like Early White Vienna offers uniform, tender bulbs. For organic growing, seek certified seeds from outlets like Seed Savers Exchange.
Purple kohlrabi seeds are widely available for colorful harvests.
Superschmelz Kohlrabi and Gigante Kohlrabi
For something bigger, try Superschmelz kohlrabi or Gigante kohlrabi. These giant varieties can reach 10-20 pounds while staying tender ideal for storage and large families. Unlike standard early white Vienna kohlrabi, they need richer soil and more space but reward with massive yields.
Baker Creek kohlrabi selections include these giants alongside classics.
Delicious White Vienna Kohlrabi Recipes
White Vienna kohlrabi recipes are simple yet transformative, turning this humble vegetable into stars of healthy meals.
Start with raw preparations: Peel and slice early white Vienna kohlrabi into sticks for dipping, or shave thinly for salads. Its crisp texture shines in slaws with apples and carrots.
For cooked dishes, roast wedges with olive oil and herbs for caramelized sweetness. Steam lightly to retain nutrients, or stir-fry with garlic and greens.
One popular idea: Kohlrabi fritters grate the bulb, mix with eggs and flour, then pan-fry for crispy bites.
Soups and stews benefit from cubed early white Vienna kohlrabi, adding bulk without heaviness.
Experiment with fermented versions for probiotic boosts, or pickle slices for tangy snacks.
These recipes align perfectly with wellness goals, providing low-carb alternatives to potatoes or rice.
More Recipe Ideas for Kohlrabi Varieties
Incorporate purple Vienna kohlrabi for visual pop in salads. Giant types like Superschmelz kohlrabi are excellent roasted whole or mashed.
Storing and Preserving Your Harvest
Store early white Vienna kohlrabi in the fridge for up to a month, or in a cool root cellar longer. Remove leaves first to prevent moisture loss.
Freezing works after blanching, preserving texture for winter use.
Why Grow Early White Vienna Kohlrabi Today?
In a world of processed foods, early white Vienna kohlrabi reconnects us to simple, nourishing eating. Its ease of growth, nutritional density, and culinary flexibility make it a must for health-focused gardeners.
Whether raw for crunch, cooked for comfort, or grown for satisfaction, this heirloom delivers. Start your seeds soon you'll be glad you discovered the joys of early white Vienna kohlrabi.