Kohl rabi (
Brassica oleracea L.) is a low, stout biennial that originated in
Germany around 4,000 years ago and is a member of the
cabbage family (Gongylodes group). It is a cabbage that was selected for its swollen stems - in German 'kohl' is
cabbage and 'rabi' is
turnip and it is so called because it has cabbage-like leaves and a turnip-like bulb above ground.
Varieties include White Vienna and Purple Vienna.