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What is Rhubarb?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Rhubarb is an intensely sour vegetable in the genus Rheum which is popular with many people in a cooked and heavily sweetened form as part of a dessert. Traditionally, rhubarb is paired with things like strawberries or ginger, and abundantly sweetened. The result is a tart, sweet, complex flavor which is quite distinctive. The plant has been grown in many parts of the world for thousands of years, and comes into season between April and June. In some regions, it is classified as a fruit, because of how it is used, although this is technically incorrect.

Archaeological evidence suggests that rhubarb has been grown and used medicinally for thousands of years in China. The name of the plant is related to an ancient Greek word meaning “foreign,” and the plant appears to have been imported to Europe by travelers. However it arrived, rhubarb quickly became entrenched in European cuisine, and it continues to play a strong supporting role in many European desserts and preserves.

Only stalks of rhubarb are edible.
Only stalks of rhubarb are edible.

Only the stalks of rhubarb are edible. Depending on the varietal and how it is cultivated, the stalks will be green to dark red in color, often in streaks. The leaves have a high oxalic acid content, and are potentially toxic to both humans and animals. For this reason, the leaves are trimmed and discarded before rhubarb is cooked. Most commonly, the sour stalks are used in a pie, but rhubarb is also used to make preserves and wines.

Rhubarb may be paired with strawberries for a dessert.
Rhubarb may be paired with strawberries for a dessert.

Temperate climates are the preferred growing conditions for rhubarb, which will thrive in USDA zones three through eight. The plants are typically sprouted in a greenhouse, and then spaced approximately three feet (91 centimeters) apart in a well tilled, mulched, and composted bed. After planting in the spring, rhubarb is watered thoroughly intermittently and is offered plenty of fertilizer. In the first year of growth, no part of the plant should be harvested, so that the rhubarb establishes a strong root system. In the second year, stalks can be cut for one to two weeks, and in the third year, rhubarb can be harvested for the entire growing season. As a general rule, no more than one third of the plant should be cut at once.

Ginger is traditionally used with rhubarb.
Ginger is traditionally used with rhubarb.

After cutting, rhubarb is very fragile. It can be wrapped tightly in plastic and stored for up to three days under refrigeration, but after that, the plant needs to be used. Be aware of this when picking out rhubarb in the store, and look for firm, crisp stalks with no pitting or marked discoloration. Remember to trim the leaves off before use, and to utilize the unique sour flavor of rhubarb in a way which will showcase it, rather than just trying to cover it up.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon153239

i planted a rhubarb crown last summer, harvested the rhubarb by cutting at the base, and set it under my porch. it's february, and i have red stalks, one almost 12 inches high. is it supposed to be producing now? i live in seattle, wa.

Dezzii

Is a third cut of rhubarb edible?

sevenseas

Rhubarb is an easy to grow vegetable, needing a sunny part of the garden and regular watering. There are different varieties of rhubarb such as timperley early, victoria, champagne early and glaskin's perpetual.

The early spring variety usually are more tender, and need less sugar. Rhubarb can be frozen and can last up to one year. Young stalks can be cooked slowly with sugar, there is no need to add water. Older stalks should be peeled first. Adding cinnamon and orange juice improves the flavor.

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    • Only stalks of rhubarb are edible.
      By: fotogal
      Only stalks of rhubarb are edible.
    • Rhubarb may be paired with strawberries for a dessert.
      By: jfunk
      Rhubarb may be paired with strawberries for a dessert.
    • Ginger is traditionally used with rhubarb.
      By: tashka2000
      Ginger is traditionally used with rhubarb.
    • Rhubarb may be used in a red wine blend.
      By: V&P Photo Studio
      Rhubarb may be used in a red wine blend.