Kohlrabi, which looks like a beet, might easily be confused as part of the same family. However, it actually belongs to the cabbage family, commonly known as brassicas. It is believed to have originated in Northern Europe, specifically the region including modern day Germany and Denmark.
Kohlrabis successfully grow on well-drained soil but our soilless farming method made it possible for kohlrabis to thrive on aeroponic towers. Crops cultivated on aeroponic towers do not rely on soil for growth, only water and nutrient solution are present in the bottom reservoir. To irrigate the plants, a low-wattage submersible pump is used intermittently (3 minutes on and 12 minutes off), providing the necessary hydration and nutrients for optimal growth.
Here at Agrotonomy Tower Farm, we start the kohlrabi cultivation by putting the seeds in agricultural rock wool made from basaltic rock. We water the seeds until they germinate and become seedlings which takes approximately seven days. The kohlrabis will fully mature and become ready for harvest after about six weeks from germination. Before consumption, the excess roots should be removed but the outer leaves are absolutely edible, just like the other brassicas.
Kohlrabi is a versatile ingredient for different recipes. It has a crisp texture and mild sweet flavor. Aside from having a delicious taste, it also offers a lot of health benefits. It contains essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
We were able to harvest 44 kohlrabis from a single aeroponic tower. This just proves the efficiency and sustainability our innovative vertical farming system has to offer.
