What To Know
- In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about freezing kohlrabi, from preparation to storage and how to use it in your recipes.
- Kohlrabi can last for a few weeks in the refrigerator, but freezing it allows you to enjoy it for months.
- Saute the kohlrabi with your choice of sauce, such as a light broth or a creamy sauce.
Kohlrabi, with its unique bulbous shape and mild, slightly sweet flavor, is a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed raw, roasted, or cooked. But what happens when you have an abundance of kohlrabi and want to preserve it for later use? Can you freeze kohlrabi? The answer is a resounding yes!
Freezing kohlrabi is a great way to extend its shelf life and enjoy its deliciousness even when it’s not in season. However, there are some important steps to follow to ensure that your frozen kohlrabi retains its flavor and texture. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about freezing kohlrabi, from preparation to storage and how to use it in your recipes.
Why Freeze Kohlrabi?
There are several reasons why freezing kohlrabi can be a great option:
- Extend Shelf Life: Kohlrabi can last for a few weeks in the refrigerator, but freezing it allows you to enjoy it for months.
- Prevent Waste: If you have a surplus of kohlrabi from your garden or the farmer’s market, freezing it prevents any from going to waste.
- Convenience: Having frozen kohlrabi on hand makes it easy to add this nutritious vegetable to your meals without having to worry about it going bad.
- Year-Round Availability: Even when kohlrabi is out of season, you can still enjoy it by using your frozen stash.
Preparing Kohlrabi for Freezing
Before freezing kohlrabi, it’s essential to properly prepare it to ensure optimal flavor and texture. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Select Fresh Kohlrabi: Choose firm, blemish-free kohlrabi with bright green leaves. Avoid any that are soft, wilted, or have signs of damage.
2. Wash and Peel: Thoroughly wash the kohlrabi under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Peel the outer skin using a vegetable peeler.
3. Cut into Pieces: Cut the kohlrabi into the desired size, depending on your intended use. For soups and stews, chop it into cubes. For stir-fries or salads, slice it thinly.
4. Blanch (Optional): Blanching is a crucial step for preserving the color, texture, and flavor of kohlrabi. It involves briefly immersing the cut pieces in boiling water and then immediately transferring them to ice water to stop the cooking process. Blanching helps to retain the vibrant green color and prevent discoloration during freezing.
5. Dry Thoroughly: After blanching (if done), pat the kohlrabi pieces dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Freezing Methods for Kohlrabi
There are several ways to freeze kohlrabi, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown of the most common methods:
1. Freezing Whole:
- Advantages: This method is simple and preserves the kohlrabi’s natural shape.
- Disadvantages: It takes up more freezer space and may be less convenient for certain recipes.
- Process: Wash, peel, and trim the kohlrabi. Leave it whole or cut it into large pieces. Place the prepared kohlrabi in a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and seal tightly.
2. Freezing in Pieces:
- Advantages: This method is versatile and allows for easy portioning.
- Disadvantages: Requires more preparation time than freezing whole.
- Process: Wash, peel, and cut the kohlrabi into the desired size. Spread the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. Transfer the frozen pieces to a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and seal tightly.
3. Freezing in a Sauce:
- Advantages: This method adds flavor and moisture to the kohlrabi, making it ideal for soups and stews.
- Disadvantages: Requires additional ingredients and preparation time.
- Process: Wash, peel, and cut the kohlrabi into small pieces. Saute the kohlrabi with your choice of sauce, such as a light broth or a creamy sauce. Cool the mixture completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags.
Storing Frozen Kohlrabi
Once you’ve frozen your kohlrabi, proper storage is crucial to maintain its quality. Here are some tips:
- Label and Date: Label your freezer bags or containers with the date of freezing and the contents. This helps you track the age of your frozen kohlrabi and use it before it loses its quality.
- Freeze Flat: Freeze kohlrabi in a single layer to prevent clumping and ensure even freezing.
- Remove Air: When using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn, which can affect the taste and texture of the kohlrabi.
- Store in Freezer: Store frozen kohlrabi in the coldest part of your freezer, ideally at 0°F (-18°C) or below.
Using Frozen Kohlrabi
Frozen kohlrabi can be used in a variety of recipes, just like fresh kohlrabi. Here are some tips for using frozen kohlrabi:
- Thaw Before Use: Thaw frozen kohlrabi in the refrigerator overnight or in a bowl of cold water for a few hours before using it in recipes.
- No Need to Blanch: If you’ve already blanched the kohlrabi, there’s no need to blanch it again after thawing.
- Add to Soups, Stews, and Stir-fries: Frozen kohlrabi can be added directly to soups, stews, and stir-fries without needing to thaw first.
- Roast or Grill: Frozen kohlrabi can be roasted or grilled after thawing.
- Use in Salads: Frozen kohlrabi can be grated or sliced and added to salads for a crunchy texture.
The Frozen Kohlrabi Advantage: A Culinary Journey
Freezing kohlrabi opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Imagine whipping up a comforting vegetable soup on a chilly winter night with your stash of frozen kohlrabi. Or, create a colorful stir-fry with vibrant green kohlrabi chunks, adding a delightful crunch to your meal. The flexibility of frozen kohlrabi allows you to experiment with flavors and textures, transforming your culinary creations.
Beyond the Freezer: Creative Kohlrabi Dishes
Here are some inspiring ideas for using frozen kohlrabi:
- Kohlrabi Fritters: Grate frozen kohlrabi, mix it with flour, eggs, and spices, and pan-fry them into delicious fritters.
- Kohlrabi and Carrot Salad: Combine grated frozen kohlrabi with shredded carrots, a tangy dressing, and fresh herbs for a refreshing salad.
- Kohlrabi Soup with Coconut Milk: Blend thawed kohlrabi with coconut milk, ginger, and spices for a creamy and flavorful soup.
- Kohlrabi and Potato Hash: Dice frozen kohlrabi and potatoes, sauté them with onions and spices, and serve with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
The Final Word: A Farewell to Waste, A Hello to Flavor
So, the next time you find yourself with an abundance of kohlrabi, don’t hesitate to freeze it! This simple technique allows you to preserve this versatile vegetable, preventing waste and ensuring you can enjoy its deliciousness year-round. Whether you’re adding it to soups, stir-fries, or salads, frozen kohlrabi is a convenient and flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire.
Popular Questions
1. How long can you freeze kohlrabi?
Frozen kohlrabi can last for up to 12 months in the freezer if stored properly. However, for optimal quality, it’s best to use it within 6-8 months.
2. Does freezing affect the texture of kohlrabi?
Freezing can slightly affect the texture of kohlrabi, making it slightly softer. However, this is usually not noticeable when used in soups, stews, or stir-fries.
3. Can you freeze kohlrabi leaves?
Yes, you can freeze kohlrabi leaves. Wash, chop, and blanch them before freezing in a freezer bag. They can be used in soups, stews, or as a base for pestos and sauces.
4. Can you freeze kohlrabi slaw?
It’s not recommended to freeze kohlrabi slaw as the texture will be compromised. However, you can freeze the individual ingredients (kohlrabi, cabbage, etc.) and use them to make slaw later.
