Rhubarb is a vegetable that delights many people and is a classic sign of spring in temperate climates.
What is Rhubarb?
Rhubarb is a perennial plant in the sorrel family. Although botanically a vegetable, it’s most often prepared and enjoyed like a fruit.
What Does Rhubarb Look Like?
Rhubarb resembles large, tall celery with thick, fibrous stalks. Colors range from deep crimson and streaked pink to pale rosy tones.
What Does Rhubarb Taste Like?
Rhubarb is distinctly tart and sour, which is why recipes typically pair it with sweeteners or sweeter fruits to balance the flavor.
How to Cook Rhubarb
To prepare rhubarb, trim the leafy tops and the root ends, and peel away any tough, stringy sections. Discard the leaves: they contain natural toxins and should not be eaten.
Rhubarb is nicknamed the “pie plant” because it’s a classic filling for pies, crisps, and cobblers. It’s commonly combined with sweeter fruits—strawberries are a popular match—and is also used in jams and preserves.
You can eat rhubarb raw in small amounts; its tangy bite works well in salads or as a bright contrast in fruit bowls. It also pairs nicely in savory preparations like stews, braises, or sauces, where its acidity can balance rich flavors.
Rhubarb is suitable for canning and can be preserved to enjoy its flavor beyond the fresh season.
Where Can I Find Rhubarb?
When in season, rhubarb appears in supermarket produce sections and at farmers’ markets. It’s typically sold in bunches but can also be available as individual stalks.
How Do You Pick Good Rhubarb?
Choose firm, crisp stalks with vibrant color and no soft spots or blemishes. Avoid wilted or overly stringy stalks.
When is Rhubarb in Season?
Rhubarb is a spring crop. Early-season stalks tend to be more tender, while late spring to early summer harvests often have a stronger flavor.
How to Store Rhubarb
Store rhubarb unwashed, wrapped in plastic or in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, slice and freeze it on a tray before transferring to freezer bags.
Is Rhubarb Nutritious?
Rhubarb provides fiber and is a good source of vitamin K. It also contains smaller amounts of manganese, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin C.
4 Rhubarb Recipes
- Rhubarb Crumble
- Rhubarb Custard Pie
- Strawberry-Rhubarb Stuffed French Toast
- Rhubarb-Tarragon Strudels
Other Spring Produce
- How to Cook Asparagus
- How to Cook Ramps