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Kohlrabi Microgreens

Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes

Brassica🟢 Easy📅 7-10 days to harvest

Overview

Kohlrabi microgreens are a hidden gem of the Brassica family — combining beautiful purple-and-green coloring with a mild, sweet flavor and impressive nutritional credentials. The stems emerge in shades ranging from pale green to stunning deep purple (depending on whether green or purple kohlrabi seeds are used), and the cotyledon leaves are bright green, heart-shaped, and slightly larger than those of most Brassica microgreens.

Purple kohlrabi microgreens are particularly prized for their vivid stem color, which rivals red cabbage for visual impact. The purple coloring comes from anthocyanins, the same family of antioxidant pigments found in blueberries. The contrast between the purple stems and bright green leaves makes them exceptionally photogenic.

Kohlrabi microgreens grow quickly and reliably, sharing the easy-going nature of their Brassica cousins. The flavor is milder and sweeter than radish or mustard — more like a gentle broccoli with cabbage sweetness — making them one of the most broadly appealing Brassica microgreens for customers who want nutrition without intensity.

Flavor Profile

MildSweetBroccoli-like
Faint cabbageCleanVery slight peppery finish

Texture: Crunchy stems with tender leaves — good substance

Mouthfeel: Pleasantly crunchy with a mild sweetness. Much gentler than radish. The purple stems have a satisfying snap.

Aroma

Mild and clean with subtle Brassica notes — fresh and green without being sharp or sulfurous. Barely aromatic.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts

Per 100g serving

Calories24
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0.4g1%
Total Carbohydrate 3.4g1%
Dietary Fiber 1.5g5%
Protein 2.4g5%
Vitamin A 2800 IU93%
Vitamin C 38mg42%
Vitamin K 82mcg68%
Vitamin E 2.8mg19%
Iron 1.3mg7%
Calcium 48mg4%
Potassium 278mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate for microgreen stage.

Notable Phytonutrients

GlucosinolatesAnthocyanins (purple varieties)KaempferolSulforaphane

Antioxidant capacity: High — particularly purple varieties with anthocyanin content

Health Benefits

Kohlrabi microgreens deliver the full Brassica glucosinolate package — sulforaphane, indole-3-carbinol, and isothiocyanates — in a mild, palatable form. The anthocyanin content in purple varieties provides additional cardiovascular protection. Research on Brassica microgreens broadly has shown significant anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification-supporting properties. The high vitamin C content supports immune function and collagen synthesis.

Growing Guide

🌱 Quick Growing Reference

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Days to Harvest
7-10
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Ideal Temperature
60-70°F
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Light Needs
Medium — light enhances purple coloring
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Growing Medium
Soil, coconut coir, or hydroponic mats
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Seed Soak
None required
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Blackout Period
3-4 days
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Seeding Density
Medium-heavy
💡 Notes

Purple varieties are more popular than green for microgreens. Quick, reliable grower. Excellent for beginners.

Seed Sourcing Standards

Kohlrabi sourcing focuses on stem color clarity, brassica sweetness, and stand consistency. We source lots that produce uniform magenta and green expressions with clean cotyledon formation so the harvested product looks polished and consistent.

Our standards require traceable non-GMO seed and favor organic lots with strong germination. New lots are validated for canopy alignment, stem strength, and cut efficiency to protect both visual quality and processing speed.

Preferred Supplier Watchlist

Johnny's Selected SeedsTrue Leaf MarketMumm's Sprouting SeedsFedco SeedsHigh Mowing Organic Seeds

Culinary Uses

Kohlrabi microgreens are versatile garnish and salad greens. Use them anywhere you want color and mild Brassica nutrition: salads, grain bowls, sandwiches, tacos, and soups. They're excellent on German-inspired dishes (kohlrabi's homeland), on sausages, and alongside roasted meats. They pair with cream sauces, mustard, apples, and dill. Their mild flavor and beautiful color make them popular in restaurant plating.

Buyer Expectations

Kohlrabi buyers look for stem color clarity and brassica reliability. They expect consistent tray fill, balanced bite, and low trim waste at receiving.

Kohlrabi buyers usually expect vibrant color, crisp stems, and a clean aroma profile that matches its signature mild, sweet, broccoli-like notes.

For retail and wholesale, consistency matters: even cut, dry packaging condition, and reliable harvest timing around 7-10 days so quality and shelf confidence remain predictable.

Chef Notes

In chef settings, kohlrabi microgreens bridge mild sweetness and subtle bite. Use them for composed plates that need clean texture and visual polish.

Treat kohlrabi as a finishing ingredient first and a cooked component second unless the dish specifically calls for heat.

Use gentle handling during prep, keep portions dry and chilled, and plate close to service to protect texture and visual lift. Store at 38-40°F in a sealed container. Shelf life is 8-12 days — among the longest-lasting microgreens. The purple color holds well throughout storage.

Microgreen vs. Mature Plant

Kohlrabi microgreens contain roughly 4 to 5 times the vitamin C of the mature kohlrabi bulb (USDA: 62mg/100g for the bulb). While the mature vegetable is a good source of fiber and vitamin C, the microgreen stage offers a broader spectrum of concentrated phytonutrients. The bulb is eaten for its mild, apple-like crunch; the microgreen offers similar mildness in a more nutrient-dense package.

Popular Mixes

🌿 Mild Mix🌿 Brassica Mix🌿 Rainbow Mix🌿 Colorful Mix

Storage Tips

Store at 38-40°F in a sealed container. Shelf life is 8-12 days — among the longest-lasting microgreens. The purple color holds well throughout storage.

💡 Fun Fact

Kohlrabi's name comes from the German words "kohl" (cabbage) and "rübe" (turnip), reflecting its unique position as a Brassica vegetable that develops a swollen, turnip-like stem above ground. It's one of the few vegetables where the stem — not the root, leaf, or fruit — is the primary edible portion at maturity.