Rhubarb is a versatile ingredient that’s packed with nutrition.
You’re either a rhubarb person, or you’re about to be a rhubarb person.
The long, stalk-like piece of produce is a culinary wonder that is packed with nutritional benefits.
Photo: Getty Images
We asked culinary experts for their take on this seasonal vegetable.
What Is Rhubarb?
Rhubarb is a vegetable that tends to be used like a fruit.
Marcus Nilsson
Though it may look like some familiar vegetables, rhubarb is in a class of its own.
“Rhubarb, oddly enough, is not related to the celery or Swiss chard families.
Rhubarb is typically in season from May to late summer.
Marcus Nilsson
It is cultivated in hothouses and can also be found outside of those seasons.
This antioxidant protects the blood vessels and is good for blood pressure regulation.
A cup of rhubarb contains about 25 calories, has no cholesterol, and very low sodium.
VICTOR PROTASIO
Store unwashed rhubarbstalks in either a Ziplock bag or in some plastic wrap.
They need some air to let out ethylene gas, which is found in fresh produce.
This step prevents rhubarb from ripening too quickly, so they last longer for later use.
In the refrigerator, unwashed, unwrapped rhubarb will last for about three weeks.
Cooked rhubarb can also last a long time.
From here, it depends on what you’re doing with the rhubarb.
Verzeroli likes making a rhubarb compote with various types of sweetener, like unrefined brown sugar orhoney.
Overripe sweet strawberries or apples can be added to the simmering compote for sweetness, too.
Rhubarb can be enjoyed at room temperature with Greek yogurt or over cake, pastries, and ice cream.
There are plenty of ways to cook with rhubarb, depending on what you’re making.
Getting creative with rhubarb opens a whole new slate of possibilities for the tart vegetable-cum-fruit.
Here are a few rhubarb recipe ideas to get you started.
The creaminess of the goat cheese compliments any bitterness well.
Rhubarb Upside Down Cake
Let rhubarb’s beautiful natural hues shine with this gorgeous cake.
Try using two varieties of rhubarb for even more variety and color.
you could add vanilla or strawberry ice cream to the cake when you serve it for extra sweetness.
American Institute for Cancer Research.
USDA FoodData Central.Rhubarb, raw.
Accessed March 23, 2023.
