Question 1

What is Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes?

Accepted Answer

Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes is the botanical name for kohlrabi, a cool-season vegetable with a distinctive swollen stem that grows above ground. It belongs to the same species as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. In Sri Lanka, it is listed within the country's catalogue of Ayurvedic medicinal plants.

Question 2

What are the medicinal uses of kohlrabi in Ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

In Ayurvedic tradition, kohlrabi is considered a cooling plant generally associated with supporting digestive health and reducing internal inflammation. It is not a primary ingredient in classical Ayurvedic formulations but is recognised within Sri Lanka's botanical medicine catalogue for its broadly therapeutic nutritional profile.

Question 3

Is kohlrabi grown in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Yes, kohlrabi is cultivated in Sri Lanka's central hill country, particularly around Nuwara Eliya and the Uva province, where the cooler climate suits its growing requirements. It is typically planted between October and February and harvested within six to eight weeks.

Question 4

What nutrients does kohlrabi contain?

Accepted Answer

Kohlrabi is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fibre, and B vitamins including B6 and folate. It also contains glucosinolates, compounds found across the Brassica family that are associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Question 5

How is kohlrabi eaten in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lanka, kohlrabi is most commonly cooked as a curry or stir-fry with coconut milk, turmeric, and spices. It can also be eaten raw, thinly sliced in salads, or pickled. Both the bulb and the leaves are edible and nutritious.

Question 6

What is Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic medicinal plant catalogue?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lanka's Department of Ayurveda maintains a systematic catalogue of plants found or cultivated in the country that have recognised therapeutic or medico-botanical significance. It covers both indigenous and introduced species and serves as a reference for practitioners, researchers, and policymakers.

Question 7

Is kohlrabi native to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

No, kohlrabi is not native to Sri Lanka. It originated in Northern Europe and was introduced to South Asia through trade and colonial agricultural practices. It is now well-established in Sri Lanka's hill-country farming systems and is included in the island's Ayurvedic plant documentation.

Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes

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