“Over there we’ve got okra, snow peas, chard, dill, cilantro, and in the weeds is kohlrabi.” ­– Andrew Phelps, produce vendor, Guttenberg, Iowa.

The week of August 7 to 13 is National Farmers’ Market Week, a time to recognize that the foundation of a market is in the words “fresh” and “local.” To be more direct, fruits and vegetables grown on farms geographically nearby. Focusing on the vegetable kohlrabi reminds people of the variety of produce available and the need to support those that grow and market it — the choices we make as consumers have consequences for the individual and the community.

The rocking chair characters of Frank Bartles and Ed Jaymes, created to market wine coolers in the 1980s, boasted the beverage went well with any food other than “kohlrabi and Kandy Korn.” Kohlrabi is described by Jonny Bowden in TThe 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth,” as a “cross between an octopus and a spacecraft.” With an odd name and appearance, it is a vegetable that many are not familiar with and do not dare to try. Which is unfortunate, as it is nutritious and versatile.

Chef Raymond Blanc, author of “Simply Raymond, Recipes from Home,” uses kohlrabi frequently. At his manor house in Great Britain, he serves Cornish turbot and lobster tortellini, with pickled kohlrabi. Having a sharp taste from its ancestry the wild turnip mellowed by the wild cabbage, kohlrabi can be eaten raw or cooked. Most often it is pureed or diced with a light cream sauce, there is a recipe for kohlrabi fries, and even kohlrabi noodles.

“I have been growing vegetables and I am still learning.” — J. B. Cook, Alpena Farmers’ Market.

Fruit and vegetable vendors by the nature of the product must follow a business model of plan, plant, harvest, and market that is measured in months, even years, as with fruit trees. Experience assures success. Attention to details and accurate recordkeeping is imperative, as is strenuous physical exertion. Established vendors can forego the open market through direct sales to customers or a roadside stand. If you find a vendor selling kohlrabi, you can be certain they grow vegetables for the love of it.

Collectively, consumer behavior has an impact on farmers’ markets in what a Mid-Atlantic states vendor has termed the “Wegman Effect.” Named for a regional grocer, it is the ability of commercial enterprises to respond to the demand for convenience, peeled and pre-cut vegetables, such as salad mixes and carrots. One day “baby kohlrabi” might create a surge in popularity.

Of deeper concern is the aging of farm operators — a third of those now active are of retirement age. In the past, farming was a family enterprise with younger generations assuming responsibility. Fewer are willing or able to assume the risk and those willing have difficulty raising capital. It is rare that the factors of land, willingness, and ability to grow vegetables are there in an individual.

Go to your local farmers’ market, buy some kohlrabi, and you won’t be disappointed!

“Small to medium scale farms are the cornerstone of local food systems. If farmers’ markets disappear these farmers lose market access and economic stability.” ­– Bobbi Mixon, director, Alaska Farmers’ Market Association.

Tom Brindley grew up in Iowa, and studied journalism and accounting. He is a retired controller from Alpena Community College and has been active in local nonprofit organizations. He can be reached at bindletom@hotmail.com. Read him here the first Thursday of each month.

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

“The crowning fortune of a man is to be born to some pursuit which finds him employment and happiness …” — ...

Alpena Township leaders heard loud and clear from voters that they’re unwilling to pay to fully fund an Alpena ...

The military doesn’t always conjure up warm and fuzzy feelings in some communities across the U.S. Some of that ...

On the brown wall above our brown couch, a canvas suspended on a nail reminds me I once visited the ocean. More ...

Today is about death and dying, but it’s not the grime and gritty … it’s about the richness and satisfaction ...

Now that we are in full swing of the 2022 election cycle, with about 35 states having already held their primary ...

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

Copyright © The Alpena News | https://www.thealpenanews.com | 130 Park Place, Alpena, MI 49707 | 989-354-3111