Kohlrabi

Vegetable

Last updated July 5, 2026. The Tummi Food Team maintains this Can I Feed This safety guide guide. Supporting links appear in Sources when available.

Written By

Tummi Food Team

Food prep and safety guidance

Tummi Clinical Advisors

Andria ProcopioandArefa Mohamed

Reviewed the Tummi app · pediatric feeding and development specialists

Direct answer

Can babies eat Kohlrabi?

Yes, babies can eat cooked and soft kohlrabi starting at around 6 months of age when beginning solids.

6+months Serve Age: Most babies start solids around 6 months once they show readiness signs. Match the texture and serving size to your baby's skills.
How to serve
No Allergens: Kohlrabi is not flagged as one of the major allergens tracked in this database. Still watch your baby closely when serving any new food.
Details
12345 2 Choking Risk: Lower choking risk when served in the right texture. Always supervise meals and adjust the shape for your baby.
Risk notes

This guide is for everyday food prep questions. Ask your pediatrician about medical concerns, feeding delays, allergy plans, or serious reactions.

How Do You Serve Kohlrabi?

How to serve Kohlrabi to babies 8 months and older

1
Steam or simmer kohlrabi pieces until very soft (about 10–15 minutes for bite-sized cubes); peel larger bulbs first if the skin feels tough.
2
Cut cooked kohlrabi into thick wedges or sticks your baby can grasp and gnaw. Remove any tough strings or skin and always test softness by mashing with a fork.
3
For spoon feeding, mash or lightly puree cooked kohlrabi to a scoopable texture, thinning with breastmilk, formula, or cooking water as needed.
4
Finely chop cooked kohlrabi leaves and stir in sparingly for extra flavor and nutrients, introducing new greens slowly and watching for reactions.

How to serve Kohlrabi to babies 11 months and older

1
Cut cooked kohlrabi into soft, bite-sized pieces about pea-sized so fingers can pick them up and gums can mash them.
2
Finely grate raw kohlrabi into thin shreds to create easy-to-hold finger food that still offers a gentle crunch.
3
Mash cooked kohlrabi smooth for spoon-feeding or mix with other purees; expect messy shoveling as they learn to self-feed.
4
Always supervise meals, remove the tough core and skin, and avoid large firm chunks; offer pea-sized pieces or smaller if unsure.

How to serve Kohlrabi to babies 24 months and older

1
Grate or slice very thinly — serve raw plain or mixed into yogurt, hummus, or salads for a crunchy snack that’s easy to pick up.
2
Cut into matchsticks or paper-thin rounds for dipping with mild spreads like yogurt or avocado to introduce new flavors.
3
Mash or grate and fold into patties, fritters, dumplings, meatballs, or pancakes to add moisture and mild sweetness; bind with egg or mashed banana if needed.
4
Cook until soft and tender before serving larger pieces — check texture to reduce choking risk by testing that pieces mash easily with a fork.
5
Make ahead: store grated or cooked kohlrabi in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days, or roast leftover pieces for a sweeter option.

Is Kohlrabi a Common Allergen?

Dairy

Egg

Fish

Gluten

Tree Nut

Peanut

Sesame

Shellfish

Soy

Kohlrabi (a cruciferous vegetable) is not a common food allergen and is generally considered safe in normal food amounts. Allergic reactions are rare, though people with pollen-food allergy/oral allergy syndrome or sensitivities to other mustard/cruciferous family plants could experience mild mouth itching or similar reactions. As with any new food, introduce kohlrabi in small amounts, watch for hives, swelling, vomiting, or breathing problems, and seek immediate care for severe reactions. Consult your pediatrician before introducing if your child has known food allergies.

Is Kohlrabi a Choking Hazard?

Low Choking Risk

Hard

Kohlrabi can be a choking hazard for young children—raw, firm pieces are especially risky for those under five. Closely supervise babies when they’re eating and watch for signs of true airway obstruction (persistent coughing, inability to breathe, or blue lips); seek emergency help immediately if these occur. Caregivers should be familiar with infant/child choking first aid and have a plan in case of an emergency.

Have More Questions?

Yes, you can store cooked or pureed kohlrabi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24-48 hours. For longer storage, freeze in small portions for up to 3 months.

Yes, you can freeze fresh kohlrabi, but it's best to peel and chop it first, then blanch briefly before freezing to preserve flavor and texture.

It depends. Organic kohlrabi may have fewer pesticides, but all vegetables should be thoroughly washed and peeled to reduce pesticide residue and dirt before preparing for your baby.

Yes, combining kohlrabi with other vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes can introduce your baby to new flavors and textures while increasing nutrient variety.

It depends. For portion sizes, start with 1-2 tablespoons of cooked, mashed kohlrabi and gradually increase based on your baby's appetite and developmental stage.

Save Kohlrabi to your food log

Track foods, reactions, and prep notes in Tummi when you want to keep your baby's feeding history in one place.

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Sources

Anti‑Diabetic and Anti‑Inflammatory Effects of Green and Red Kohlrabi Cultivars (Preventive Nutrition and Food Science, 2014) doi.org
Identification and expression analysis of glucosinolate biosynthetic genes (Molecules, 2015) doi.org
Volatile Compounds of Selected Raw and Cooked Brassica Vegetables (Molecules, 2019) doi.org
The Metabolism of Glucosinolates by Gut Microbiota (Nutrients, 2021) doi.org
Kohlrabi, raw (USDA FoodData Central) fdc.nal.usda.gov
Characterization of dietary fiber lignins from fruits and vegetables (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2005) doi.org
Brassica oleracea pollen, a new source of occupational allergens (Allergy, 2006) doi.org
Oral Allergy Syndrome: An Update for Stomatologists (Journal of Allergy, 2015) doi.org

What Other Vegetable Can Babies Eat?

Source-Linked Guidance

See the evidence behind the guide.

Food guides show direct links to public-health guidance and research when supporting references are available. Source inclusion does not imply endorsement.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Developmental milestones, nutrition guidelines, and allergen introduction timelines.

American Academy of Pediatrics

Evidence-based feeding recommendations from the leading pediatric authority.

National Institutes of Health

Peer-reviewed research on infant nutrition, allergies, and food safety.