Supplies of kohlrabi out of California are strong. “As the summer progresses, we have maintained excellent supplies of kohlrabi thanks to the mild weather we’ve experienced so far in our Santa Maria Valley growing region. Supplies are even better than they were at this point last year,” says Matt Hiltner of Babé Farms. He notes that due to Santa Maria’s mild climate, kohlrabi is able to grow in the region year-round. However, the recent warm weather has helped the increase in supply. The specialty vegetable grower-shipper carries baby and medium red and green kohlrabi.
Summer uses for kohlrabi
Hiltner says that pricing on kohlrabi has come down to more normal levels from where it was during the peak season for the vegetable, which is the winter season. “While kohlrabi is generally thought of as a hearty winter cooking vegetable, it’s not a one-trick pony,” he says. “Entering the warmer months, you start to see kohlrabi applications shift from gratins, purees and mashes to summer salads and slaws.”
He adds that pricing on the vegetable is anticipated to remain fairly consistent for the near future as good availability is expected for the next few weeks.
Kohlrabi will likely be one of the things Babé Farms will be talking about at the upcoming IFPA Foodservice Conference in Monterey, CA (Booth #716) at the end of the month. “We are thrilled to be unveiling an all-new booth display and artwork theme featuring what we do best here at Babé Farms: color,” says Hiltner. “The new imagery in our booth will feature the full-color palette of specialty vegetables available. Promoting health, wellness and eating the rainbow has long been a mantra of ours and we will really lean into that this year with our marketing.”
For more information:
Matt Hiltner
Babé Farms, Inc.
Tel: +1 (805) 925-4144
[email protected]
www.babefarms.com