Kohlrabi, Swiss Chard & Other Underdogs: How to Cook with Unfamiliar Veggies

If you've opened your Arrows Farm veggie box and thought, "Wait... what is that?" — you're not alone. Many of our favorite (and most nutrient-packed) vegetables are ones that never make it to a grocery store shelf. But once you learn how to prep and cook them, these "underdogs" can quickly become weekly staples.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of our current seasonal stars — with simple prep ideas, family-friendly recipes, and ways to love your farm box even more.

How to Cook with Kohlrabi: The Crunchy Chameleon

Kohlrabi is part of the brassica family, like broccoli and cabbage. It’s crisp, juicy, and mild, kind of like an apple and a turnip had a baby.

How to prep it:

• Slice off leaves (you can sauté them like kale!)

• Peel thick skin

• Slice, dice, shred, or roast

Ideas to try:

• Shred it for a tangy slaw with carrots, apple cider vinegar, and herbs

• Roast cubes with olive oil and salt

• Slice raw and serve with dip or hummus

• Try kohlrabi-leek soup (creamy, earthy, and cozy)

Swiss Chard: Colorful, Earthy, and Versatile

Chard is as pretty as it is nutritious. Stems can be pink, red, yellow, or orange — and yes, you can eat them!

How to use it:

• Chop stems and start them in the pan first to soften

• Use leaves like you would spinach or kale

Ideas to try:

• Sauté with garlic, leeks, and olive oil

• Add to scrambled eggs or a veggie frittata

• Layer into lasagna or enchiladas for an extra boost

• Toss into soups or grain bowls

Leeks: The Gentle Onion

Leeks offer a milder, sweeter onion flavor and are incredibly versatile.

How to prep:

• Trim off the dark green tops and root ends

• Slice lengthwise and rinse between layers

Try this:

• Use in potato (or kohlrabi) soup

• Caramelize and toss into pasta

• Bake into quiche with Swiss chard and cheese

• Add to roasted veggie medleys

Chanterelle Mushrooms: Golden and Gourmet

Delicate, earthy, and a little fruity, chanterelles are wild mushrooms that make any meal feel special.

Pro tips:

• Brush off dirt (avoid soaking)

• Cook low and slow in butter or olive oil

Delicious ideas:

• Sauté and spoon over toast with ricotta

• Add to risotto or creamy pasta

• Stir into scrambled eggs or top a pizza

Marigolds: Yes, You Can Eat Them

These sunny flowers aren’t just for garden borders — they’re edible and beautiful!

Use petals to:

• Sprinkle over salads for a pop of color

• Garnish desserts or iced drinks

• Add to herbal teas for a citrusy hint

Unique Ways to Use Lettuce

Think beyond salad bowls! Tender lettuce leaves can be surprisingly versatile.

Ideas to try:

• Use as wraps (think lettuce tacos with ground beef or grilled veggies)

• Sauté briefly with garlic and sesame oil for an Asian twist

• Blend into green smoothies with mint, frozen banana, and lemon juice

• Make a summer chopped salad with roasted potatoes, marinated onions, and basil vinaigrette

The beauty of a veggie box is discovering flavors you might never pick up on your own. By learning to love these unsung heroes, you're building skills, reducing waste, and getting more joy from every bite.

Have a favorite way to use one of these veggies? Tag us @thearrowsfarm and show us what you're cooking!