Do you like Rhubarb? Ever try Rhubarb? I myself, love rhubarb. Whether it is just cooked on the stove, gently sugared, chilled and served on fresh biscuits or in a pie/dessert – I cannot get enough.
I thought that this was a fun topic to share with you as I know a lot of people tend not to eat this delicious food. So I gathered some information both from my head, from family and internet sources to share with you today.
Background
Even though rhubarb is considered a vegetable, it is most often treated as a fruit. Rhubarb provides a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and calcium. It is usually eaten cooked, and just like fresh cranberries, rhubarb is almost unbearably tart on its own. It needs the added sweetness of sugar, honey, or fruit juice to balance out the acidity. Since rhubarb is primarily used for pie, it is also referred to by it’s nickname the “pie plant”.
Benefits
- Can lower cholesterol – With its sweet taste, rhubarb surely is easy to get down. Along with the bonus of tasting good, rhubarb lowers cholesterol. Because of the vitamins and nutrients, this helps reduce the risk of harmful diseases. Rhubarb is a sure thing to take if you are suffering from high cholesterol.
- Rhubarb stimulates the metabolic rate – This makes it a great for people who want to loose unwanted pounds. The dietary properties are promoted with the usage of fiber and potassium. With the potassium it is said to speed up your metabolism to help you lose weight.
- Low in carbohydrates – Everyone is trying to find the latest health benefit for fruits and vegetables. The best health benefit of rhubarb is that it is low in carbohydrates. When you have something that is low in carbohydrates, you can still feel ok when you over consume on occasion.
So there you have my take on Rhubarb. If you have not yet tried it – you should. I think you will love it. If you have any Rhubarb questions by all means let me know and I will try to answer them. I have grown up with Rhubarb and always look forward to it each year.
Have a great Wednesday and I will talk to you tomorrow.
Take care
zesty
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
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that I have really liked browsing your posts. Anyway
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Rhubarb is probably my favourite pie flavour
I love tart fruits.
I have my own little patch going on. I love rhubarb pie but not with strawberries.
Also good to note that only the stalks are edible. The leaves are generally quite poisonous.
I just got a bunch of rhubarb that I froze for later use. I love it in oatmeal!
Rhubarb is one of those plants I have yet to bring into my kitchen!
So, I am definitely new to Rhubarb as I have never used it! I don’t even know where to begin. How do I use it? How can I cut it? Do I throw out some parts and keep others? I just have no idea so any help would be awesome!! Thanks in advance!
I didn’t know rhubarb was so beneficial! I definitely have to try it!
Do you have any great reciepes for rhubarb other then dessert ones??
Also, I read just the other day that rubbing rhubarb on a rust spot on your pans will neutralize the rust and allow you to just wash it away. (My husband wants to try it on a vehicle now.)
I actually just picked up a bag of frozen rhubarb, for the sheer novelty of it; I have never tasted rhubarb. Do you have any suggestions on how best to use frozen rhubarb?
nope..I still have yet to try it.
I suppose I better pick some up!
Thanks so much for posting. Very interesting info!! One of the first pie’s I ever made was Strawberry Rhubarb and it was love at first taste! Have you ever used Rhubarb in savory dishes? I’m interesting in testing it out!
Oops I meant I’m *interested* although I like to think I’m interesting
While a lot of people love to make pies and cobblers using rhubarb, I often just throw 2 cups into a pot and add 1/2 cup of sugar and just gently simmer it on the stove for a couple of hours. (You can add more sugar if you want it sweeter.)
The I chill the rhubarb sauce and use it on ice cream, toast or whatever as you might use jam. Delicious!
ohh i was looking at some last weekend at the farmers market, but wasn’t sure how to use it, thanks!
have a fun giveaway going this week to http://runtothefinish.blogspot.com/2009/06/greener-monsters-amazing-grass-giveaway.html
I am almost positive that I saw rhubarb growing wild on the side of the road leading into my neighborhood. Is that possible? If so, would it be safe to harvest and eat?
@Debbie – Yes it should be safe to eat. Wash well, cut the ends off and peel the outside strand and you should be good to go.
I LOVE rhubarb!!! Whether it’s just with custard or in a pie – or as a crumble..even a yogurt. It’s a great veg/fruit.
I usually sweeten it with honey rather than sugar when having it just with custard.
Another advantage of it is – it makes you GO! (to the toilet!) If you suffering from not being able to go – get rhubard!!
Have you ever had rhubarb stew, Persian style? It’s good!
http://figandquince.com/2012/07/23/rhubarb-stew/