Kohlrabi & Mooli are two of the more unusual vegetables in our fridges. They are however increasingly popular among chefs throughout Cornwall and Devon. This week we take a closer look at these remarkable vegetables.
Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a member of the brassica family along side cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. The name is a German word and translates to cabbage turnip. The taste of Kohlrabi can be described as sweet, peppery cabbage-y, and turnip-y. The most familiar type has a pale green skin. Purple skinned varieties are also available, the inside of the both is white.
The origins of this unique vegetable are unclear, but can be traced as far back as 1 AD. Roman Pliny the Elder references a similar vegetable as the Corinthian Turnip. The oldest known cookbook on dining in Rome, written by Apicius mentions kohlrabi in his preparations. During his reign (800 AD - 814 AD ) Charlemange, ordered kohlrabi to be grown in Aix-la-Chapelle, now Aachen located in Western Germany. This helps to explain the origins of the name.
Health Benefits of Kohlrabi.
Kohlrabi plays an important part in Chinese medicine and is an excellent source of potassium and vitamin C. Studies have also shown that kohlrabi can benefit the following:
- Digestive Health.
- Weight Loss Booster.
- Nerve and Muscle Function.
- Blood Pressure.
- Iron Deficiency.
- Bone Strength.
- Vision Health.
- Metabolism.
- Cancer Prevention.
Mooli
Mooli also know as Daikon radish, white radish, Asian radish, Oriental radish, Chinese radish, or Japanese radish, is one of the bigger radishes measuring between six to fifteen inches. This radish variety has a crisp white flesh with a sweet flavour with a spicy hint. The most common variety has a smooth creamy white flesh. We often import the black skinned varieties from Rungis when they are available.
The mooli is used frequently in Japanese cuisine, often pickled and served as an accompaniment to rice. It can be used raw or cooked and works well with fish or in stir fries. Mooli can be used as you would turnips, carrots, or potatoes. They absorb the sauces in which they are cooked as they become tender. In Chinese and Japanese cookery mooli is used for vegetable carving as well as cooking.
Like the kohlrabi mooli has many health benefits, these include:
- Respiratory Health.
- Digestive Health.
- Cancer Prevention.
- Detoxify the Body.
- Immune System.
- Anti-inflammatory Action.
- Bone Health.
- Weight Loss.
- Skin Health.
Japan’s festival for Jumbo Daikon Radishes, held in Onomichi, Hiroshima sees farmers from over 150 farms compete to see who can grow the largest radish. The largest winning mooli weighed a remarkable 43.4 kg
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