How to Store Rhubarb, According to Expert Chefs

Don’t be constrained to only eating rhubarb at peak season.

This tart vegetable keeps well if you follow the proper preservation methods.

We contacted several chefs for their best methods for storing and freezing rhubarb.

A stack of rhubarb stalks on a white cloth napkin

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What Is Rhubarb?

Rhubarb is technically a vegetable but masquerades as a fruit in many sweet dessertsfrom crumbles to pies.

But there are many ways to use rhubarb beyond desserts.

Knowing the ripeness of this vegetable is useful when using or preserving rhubarb.

If you are seeking a deep red hue, look for varieties like Martha Washington or Crimson Cherry.

For the most part, fresh rhubarb should be refrigerated.

These few steps will help make storing quick, easy, and beneficial.

Otherwise, they can dry out much faster than if stored in the refrigerator.

Cover with plastic wrap before placing them in the refrigerator.

With either of these storage methods, your rhubarb should last three to four weeks in your fridge.

Lindsey suggests the following method for preserving rhubarb.

Overly ripe rhubarb is best used to make jam.

If you decide to can rhubarb jam, go through this.

Hartley recommends using avacuum sealerfor the best results.

Here’s how to vacuum seal and freeze rhubarb.

It will keep well for two to three months.

Some people blanch rhubarb first before vacuum sealing it, says Lindsey.

(Blanching isn’t necessary, but it has some added benefits.

It can help preserve the color, flavor, texture, and nutrients for even longer.)

“Freezing is easier than canning, and the jam thaws out pretty quickly,” Manalang adds.

Here are some suggestions:

USDA.Rhubarb Grades and Standards.

Accessed May 2, 2023.