The word “kohlrabi” is German in origin, “kohl” meaning cabbage and “rübe” meaning turnip. The botanical origins of this species can only be traced back about 500 years ago to Europe, although some suspect the species is older than that but because of confusion around its definition and strange aesthetic, it is hard to pin down.
Although early in its classification it was thought to be a cross between a cabbage and a turnip (thus the German translation of the name), we can be certain that its genetics stem from the same common wild cabbage parent as cabbage, kale, broccoli and cauliflower, and not from the turnip family or any other root vegetable.

The word “kohlrabi” is German in origin, “kohl” meaning cabbage and “rübe” meaning turnip. The botanical origins of this species can only be traced back about 500 years ago to Europe, although some suspect the species is older than that but because of confusion around its definition and strange aesthetic, it is hard to pin down.
Although early in its classification it was thought to be a cross between a cabbage and a turnip (thus the German translation of the name), we can be certain that its genetics stem from the same common wild cabbage parent as cabbage, kale, broccoli and cauliflower, and not from the turnip family or any other root vegetable.