Freezing kohlrabi – instructions for preserving

Kohlrabi is very popular in Germany. It is available from May to October. But what if you have too much or also like it in winter?

Freezing is a simple solution. It preserves nutrients and flavor for a long time. Frozen kohlrabi stays fresh for up to a year, preferably for the first six months.

You can freeze kohlrabi raw or blanched. Both methods have their advantages. The important thing is to prepare and store it correctly.

Important findings

• Kohlrabi can be frozen for up to 12 months
• Optimal storage temperature: -18°C or colder
• Blanching before freezing preserves color and nutrients
• Young kohlrabi (8-10 cm in diameter) are best suited for freezing
• Correct packaging and labeling are important for quality

Basic preparation of the kohlrabi

Before you freeze kohlrabi, you need to prepare it. There are many varieties of kohlrabi in Germany. Each variety is different, but the preparation is similar.

Washing and peeling the bulb

First wash the tuber thoroughly. Then remove the skin. Light green kohlrabi tastes mildly sweet, purple varieties more intense.

Cutting techniques for optimum portions

You can cut kohlrabi in different ways. It can be cut into cubes, strips or slices. There are size rules for EU kohlrabi.

• Green kohlrabi with foliage: at least 30 mm in diameter
• Field kohlrabi with foliage: at least 40 mm in diameter
• Kohlrabi without foliage: at least 50 mm in diameter

Preparation methods for storage

Blanching retains nutrients and crispness. Place the cut kohlrabi briefly in boiling water. Then quench in ice water. Fresh kohlrabi will keep for two to three weeks, autumn kohlrabi for longer. Freezing extends the shelf life.

Freezing kohlrabi – a comparison of methods

There are different freezing methods for kohlrabi. You can choose between raw and blanched kohlrabi. This decision depends on personal preference and the intended use.

Freezing raw is very quick. All you have to do is wash the kohlrabi, peel it and cut it into pieces. Then it goes straight into the freezer. This method is ideal for soups or stews.

Blanched kohlrabi stays crispier. Place the kohlrabi briefly in boiling water and then cool it in ice water. It is then dried well and frozen. This preserves the vitamins and nutrients better.

Kohlrabi can be frozen in ice cube trays for baby food. Puree it and portion it. It can also be vacuum-sealed before freezing to keep it fresh for longer.

Frozen kohlrabi will keep for about a year. It is best to use it within two months. After defrosting, it is no longer raw, but is great for cooked dishes.

Correct storage and shelf life

Storing kohlrabi correctly in the freezer is very important. It will stay fresh for up to a year.

Choose a suitable freezer container

Airtight freezer containers or special freezer bags are ideal. The air should be removed when filling the bags. This prevents freezer burn.

Optimal storage temperature and period

The best temperature for kohlrabi in the freezer is -18 degrees Celsius. This keeps raw kohlrabi fresh for several months. Blanched kohlrabi will even keep for up to a year.

Labeling and organization in the freezer

This helps when labeling the freezer containers. That way you always know what’s inside. Frozen kohlrabi is great for soups and stews.

Important: Defrosted kohlrabi must not be refrozen. This damages the quality and promotes bacterial growth. If stored correctly, kohlrabi stays fresh and nutritious for a long time.

Conclusion

Freezing kohlrabi is a great way to enjoy the vegetable all year round. Kohlrabi can be harvested after six to eight weeks. Freezing keeps it fresh for several months.

To preserve the nutrient content, the kohlrabi should be blanched before freezing. A short bath in boiling salted water preserves the color, taste and texture. The vegetables can then be stored in Tupperware boxes and removed as required.

There are also other ways to preserve kohlrabi. It will keep for two weeks in the fridge if it is wrapped in a damp cloth. A cool, dry cellar is ideal for longer storage. Kohlrabi can keep there for months in a box of sand. It can also be canned by preserving the blanched vegetables in jars of liquids.