Freezing kohlrabi is easy to do, and a great way to keep it on hand whenever you need it.
You can use it in your cooking or any recipes, or heat it up for a quick side dish to any meal.
In this post, I’ll show you step by step how to freeze kohlrabi fresh from your garden, the farmer’s market, or the grocery store.
I’ll cover everything from whether you need to blanch it or not and the different methods you can use, to properly preparing it so it will last as long as possible in the freezer.
Can You Freeze Kohlrabi?
The short answer is yes, you can freeze kohlrabi fresh from the garden, grocery store, or farmer’s market.
It freezes very well, and you can use it in any of your favorite recipes. Simply add the frozen pieces to your cooking, or thaw it first.
Related Post: How To Grow Kohlrabi At Home
Preparing Kohlrabi For Freezing
Before you freeze your kohlrabi, there are a few steps you need to follow to make sure it retains the best flavor and texture.
First wash them to remove any dirt or debris, gently rubbing them with a produce brush if necessary. Next, cut the leaves and the stem off each end of the bulb.
Use a vegetable peeler or sharp knife to remove the tough outer skin. Then you can choose to cut it into slices or cubes.
Do You Have To Blanch Kohlrabi Before Freezing?
You don’t have to blanch kohlrabi before freezing. But I recommend doing it because it helps it maintain the crisp texture, and also locks in the fresh flavor.
How To Blanch Kohlrabi To Freeze
To blanch your kohlrabi before freezing, all you need to do is flash-cook it in boiling water for a few minutes.
Fill a cooking pot with water and bring it to a boil on the stove. While you wait, fill a large bowl with ice water.
Once the water comes to a rolling boil, carefully drop in the pieces and let them cook for 2-3 minutes. Do not overcook them.
Remove the pieces quickly using a slotted spoon, place them into an ice bath right away, and let them cool for 1-2 minutes to stop the cooking process.
Methods For Freezing Kohlrabi
Freezing kohlrabi is simple and quick, and there are a few different steps you can follow. The technique you choose depends on the amount of time you have and your personal preference.
Freezing Kohlrabi In Pieces
It’s best to cut your kohlrabi into pieces before freezing it, rather than leaving it whole. This will take up less space, and also results in a better end product.
You can cut the bulbs into either cubes or slices, depending on how you plan to use them later.
Flash Freezing Kohlrabi
Flash freezing is an optional extra step, but it will prevent the pieces from sticking together in one large clump.
Simply spread your cut kohlrabi out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place it in the freezer for 30-60 minutes until the pieces are semi-frozen.
Can I Freeze Kohlrabi Leaves & Stems As Well?
Yes you can freeze kohlrabi leaves and stems as well as the bulb. Use small, tender leaves for the best texture and flavor, as the larger ones tend to become tough and woody as they age.
First wash them and pat them dry, or use a salad spinner to remove the excess water.
Then you can simply pack them into freezer bags. Or you could blanch them then freeze them in an ice cube tray to portion them out for your recipes.
Related Post: How & When To Harvest Kohlrabi
Tools & Supplies Needed
Below is a list of the tools and equipment you will need. But, depending on the process you choose to use, you might not need everything.
- Quart freezer bags OR gallon freezer bags
- Permanent marker
- Sharp chef knife
- Vegetable brush (optional)
- Produce peeler (optional)
- Large pot (optional)
- Slotted spoon (optional)
- Large bowl of ice water (optional)
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Baking sheet (optional)
- Hands free baggie holder (optional)
How To Store Kohlrabi In The Freezer
The best way to store frozen kohlrabi is to put it into freezer-safe baggies. Make sure to squeeze out all of the extra air before zipping them so the bags take up less space.
Instead of plastic bags you could use any type of container you have, as long as it’s airtight to prevent freezer burn.
How Long Does Frozen Kohlrabi Last?
Frozen kohlrabi lasts for about 8 months or longer when properly prepared and stored. To extend the life, try using a food vacuum sealer.
FAQs
Here are answers for some of the most common questions I get asked about freezing kohlrabi.
Can you freeze kohlrabi without blanching it?
Yes, you can freeze kohlrabi without balancing it. However, skipping this step may degrade the flavor and texture, and it might not last as long in the freezer.
How do I thaw frozen kohlrabi?
The best way to thaw frozen kohlrabi is to rinse it under cool water briefly, or add it directly to your dish while cooking.
Can I freeze kohlrabi raw?
You can freeze kohlrabi raw, but taking a few minutes to blanch it first will preserve the flavor and texture better.
Can you freeze mashed kohlrabi?
I don’t recommend freezing mashed kohlrabi. Mashing it first breaks down the structure of the vegetable, which will most likely cause it to become mushy. It’s better to mash it after you thaw it.
How do you cook frozen kohlrabi?
You can cook frozen kohlrabi the same way you do when it’s raw. Simply place the frozen pieces into a frying pan, or thaw them first. You can add them to any of your favorite recipes, like soups, stir fry, and other dishes.
Does kohlrabi freeze well?
Yes, kohlrabi freezes quite well due to its naturally crisp and hard texture. Blanching it first will help it last longer and preserve the flavor.
Can you freeze kohlrabi whole?
You can freeze kohlrabi whole, however I recommend cutting it up first. When you freeze the bulbs whole they tend to crack, which can negatively impact the texture and taste.
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More About Food Preservation
- How To Freeze Bok Choy
- How To Freeze Rhubarb
- How To Freeze Radishes
- How To Freeze Peas
- How To Freeze Cucumbers
- How To Freeze Tomatillos
Share your tips for freezing kohlrabi in the comments section below.
Step By Step Instructions
How To Freeze Kohlrabi
Freezing kohlrabi is simple to do, and a great way to keep some on hand whenever you need. Use it for cooking or add it to soups, stir fries, or any other recipes.
Ingredients
- Fresh kohlrabi
Instructions
- Prepare the kohlrabi - If you plan to blanch your kohlrabi, put a pot of water on the stove on high and fill a large bowl with ice water. Wash and clean your kohlrabi, using a produce brush to lightly scrub them, if necessary. Then cut the stem and leaf ends off.
- Cut them up - Cut each bulb in half, and use a vegetable peeler to remove the tough outer skin. Then cut your kohlrabi up into cubes or slices.
- Blanch it (optional but recommended) - Place the kohlrabi pieces into the pot of boiling water, and cook it for 2-3 minutes. Then use a slotted spoon to transfer it into an ice bath right away to stop further cooking, and allow it to cool for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove and dry - Remove your cut pieces from the ice bath, place them on a towel, and pat them dry. If you didn’t blanch them it’s still a good idea to pat them dry after washing them.
- Flash freeze (optional) - Spread the kohlrabi on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then place them in the freezer for 30-60 minutes, or until the pieces are semi-frozen.
- Pack and seal - Fill your freezer baggies with the kohlrabi pieces (a hands free baggie holder makes this job much easier). Then press out the excess air and seal them.
- Label and freeze - Use a permanent marker to label your bags with the date so you know when they will expire, then store them flat in your freezer.
Notes
- Raw kohlrabi doesn’t freeze well, so it’s best to take the extra few minutes to blanch it first. Otherwise it may not have the best flavor or texture when you thaw it.
- Flash freezing is optional, but will prevent your kohlrabi pieces from sticking together or creating one large clump.
- To extend the shelf life of your frozen kohlrabi and prevent freezer burn, try using a food vacuum sealer.
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