What Is Rhubarb? Plus, How to Cook It

You lot know information technology'due south instrumental to making strawberry rhubarb pie, just what is rhubarb—and can it do more than make tasty desserts?

When rhubarb starts showing upward at the market, it'due south a surefire sign that jump has sprung. This tasty care for is responsible for some of our favorite spring recipes, but most of u.s. don't have any thought what rhubarb is. That's OK; yous're not alone. Nosotros've got the details on this sweet-tart treat, including how to cook it.

What Is Rhubarb?

Rhubarb is a perennial plant that grows well in cool climates. The stalks are edible, but it'south sometimes planted as an ornamental establish because of its beautiful, vibrant red stalks and wide green leaves. Consumed raw, rhubarb has an intensely tart flavor that's non generally liked. But toss it with sugar and bake it into cake, pie, shortbread or jam, and rhubarb's bitterness fades and becomes quite enjoyable.

While it's most commonly used in combination with other fruits to brand sugariness treats, rhubarb has several savory applications. Add it to salsa, apply it to brand chutney or relish it as a marinade for meat. If you demand inspiration, bank check out our drove of savory rhubarb recipes.

Is Rhubarb Poisonous?

Rhubarb stalks are prophylactic to consume, only the leaves incorporate a compound called oxalic acid, which is toxic to both humans and animals. The near common symptoms of oxalic acid poisoning are tummy pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, difficulty animate and a called-for or painful sensation in the throat or mouth.

That sounds terrible, merely we're non that worried; you'd have to eat several pounds of rhubarb leaves to achieve a toxic level. If y'all take concerns, read more almost this.

When Is Rhubarb in Season?

Rhubarb grows best in cool weather below 75° F, so it's widely available during the springtime. Yous'll notice it in virtually areas get-go in April or May, although some regions tolerate rhubarb growth throughout the summer. It is possible to abound rhubarb indoors or in a hothouse, then don't be surprised if y'all find it as early equally January! Larn how to grow rhubarb in your garden!

Is Rhubarb a Fruit or a Vegetable?

We already know the line betwixt fruits and vegetables is blurry from the tomato contend. But rhubarb is a bit of an interesting case. Botanically, a fruit contains seeds and vegetables consist of leaves, stalks and roots. That definitely makes rhubarb a vegetable, simply the U.S. Community Courtroom legally classified rhubarb as a fruit in 1947. Since it is nearly often used to make sweet desserts (like other fruits), they deemed that importers shouldn't have to pay the higher vegetable tax on the stalks.

Like virtually fruits and vegetables, rhubarb is packed with wellness benefits, too.

How to Selection or Choose Rhubarb

If you're harvesting rhubarb from the plant, it's important to choose stalks that are firm and upright. Frost tin crusade the toxic oxalic acid from the leaves to migrate into the stalks, so avoid anything that's flimsy or soft. Dark cherry rhubarb is sweeter and more than flavorful, but the green stalks are edible, too. Once yous've called your stalks, cut them from the plant at the soil line. Remove the leaves and wash the rhubarb well to remove any excess dirt.

At the grocery shop or farmers market, await for firm, shiny stalks without any blemishes. If the rhubarb has the leaves fastened, expect for leaves that look fresh and haven't wilted.

How to Cook Rhubarb

After trimming off the toxic leaves, you're gear up to become cooking with rhubarb. If the stalks have whatsoever small-scale blemishes, you tin can remove them with a vegetable peeler. From there, you have some options. Here are a few of our favorite means to cook rhubarb:

• Cut the stalks into 2-inch pieces. Then, julienne the pieces into matchsticks and toss them with red wine vinegar and a pinch of salt and sugar. Later on marinating for a few minutes, add the speedily pickled rhubarb to fresh salads, slaws or use as a pickle for sandwiches.
• Cut the rhubarb into 1-inch pieces. Simmer the chopped rhubarb in a small saucepan over medium-low heat with water and sugar (for every 3 cups of rhubarb, add i tablespoon water and i/ii cup sugar). Afterward 15 minutes, let the mixture absurd. Pour the stewed rhubarb over ice foam, cakes or use it every bit a syrup for pancakes or waffles.
• Chop the rhubarb into smaller, ane/iv- to one/ii-inch pieces. Toss it with carbohydrate and add together it to your favorite baked goods.
• Toss chopped rhubarb with sugar (about 1/two loving cup for every three cups of rhubarb). Bake information technology in a 350 °F oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until information technology'southward soft and tender. Puree the baked rhubarb and use it to make bootleg soda, add it to boozy margaritas or turn information technology into ice foam.

Requite your newfound rhubarb cognition a try with these rhubarb recipes.

Taste of Home

Rhubarb Crisp

I establish this strawberry rhubarb crisp recipe on a box of Quaker Oats about 20 years agone. It's quick and easier to make than pie. It's versatile, too, because you tin add strawberries in spring or apples in fall. I commonly pop it into the oven presently earlier we sit down to consume so it'due south nonetheless warm for dessert! —C.E. Adams, Charlestown, New Hampshire

Go Recipe

Rhubarb Tart

The rhubarb season in this tart balances nicely with the honey and amaretto. The mascarpone cheese makes it rich and creamy. Sometimes I'll fifty-fifty double the rhubarb for actually sumptuous tarts. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Easy Rhubarb Bask

I remember eating this bask at my grandmother'southward over 50 years ago. My mother made information technology for years and now my daughters brand it. The bask complements any meat, but I find it a must with meat loaf. —Helen Brooks, Lacombe, Alberta r

Rustic Fruit Tart

My husband and I love pie, but we can't eat a whole 9-inch pie by ourselves. Then I brand these piece of cake tarts using rhubarb and raspberries picked at home. Sometimes I substitute apples, peaches or our garden blueberries for the rhubarb. —Naomi Olson Hamilton, Michigan

Berry Rhubarb Fool

A "fool" is a British dessert that'south unremarkably made with custard. This is a modified, quicker version I created. My kids honey it considering it doesn't taste like rhubarb—and so I guess it's well named! —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado

Rhubarb Strawberry Pie

This strawberry rhubarb pie with frozen fruit recipe has get a favorite with u.s.a.. My hubby never liked rhubarb until he tasted this pie...at present he asks me to make it often! — Sandy Dark-brown, Lake Worth, Florida

Strawberry-Rhubarb Upside-Downwards Cake

I prepare this colorful dessert quite often in the late spring or summertime when fresh rhubarb is arable. I brand this rhubarb cake with cake mix and take it to church potlucks. People really line up for a slice. —Bonnie Krogman, Thompson Falls, Montana

Rhubarb Fritters

I got this recipe from my niece's son. Since nosotros live in apple tree land, nosotros have enjoyed apple fritters for many years. This rhubarb treat is a nice alter for jump when apples are few and rhubarb is plentiful. —Helen Budinock, Wolcott, New York

Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars

These cheesecake bars layer a buttery pecan shortbread crust with a rich and creamy filling and sweet-tart strawberry rhubarb jam. For larger squares, cut into nine confined instead of xvi. —Amanda Scarlati, Sandy, Utah

Contest-Winning Rhubarb Meringue Pie

My husband'due south grandmother was an excellent cook, but she didn't e'er share her secrets. Luckily, we have her rhubarb pie recipe. I added one of my favorite crusts and a never-fail meringue. —Elaine Sampson, Colesburg, Iowa

Rhubarb Strawberry Crunch

Garden-fresh rhubarb is put to great use in this piece of cake recipe. It's wonderful with water ice foam. —Barbara Foss, Waukesha, Wisconsin

Rhubread

We moved into a firm with a k of fresh rhubarb. To use some of those crimson stalks, nosotros made rhubarb bread with cinnamon and pecans. —Erika Elliott, Panola, Illinois

Rhubarb Lemonade Slush

My family loves rhubarb, and this is such a fun manner to savour information technology. Information technology's nice to have in the freezer and bring out when guests drop past. Even people that aren't crazy about rhubarb savour information technology. —Cathie Bristles, Philomath, Oregon

Rhubarb Chutney

Information technology's ever fun to serve a meat or poultry dish with a twist. This tangy-sweet chutney is a wonderfully different garnish. With fine chunks of rhubarb and raisins, information technology has a squeamish consistency. It's amid our favorite condiments. —Jan Paterson, Anchorage, Alaska

Macaroon-Topped Rhubarb Cobbler

Crumbled macaroons are a surprising add-on to this cobbler'south topping. Nosotros love that you can make the sweetness treat in a baking dish or a cast-iron skillet. —Taste of Domicile Test Kitchen

Strawberry Rhubarb Java Cake

Although my coffee cake makes a large pan, it never lasts very long! It's bang-up for a Dominicus brunch after church and nice to bring to family reunions, too. —Dorothy Morehouse, Massena, New York

Sour Cream Rhubarb Pie

A hint of orange season and a nice alloy of spices complement the tangy rhubarb. I like to serve the pie while it's however warm. —Doreen Martin, Kitimat, British Columbia

Rhubarb-Apricot Barbecued Craven

Springtime brings dorsum memories of the rhubarb that grew beside my childhood home. When I establish ruby red stalks in the shop, I created this recipe for them. My family gives this a large thumbs upward. —Laurie Hudson, Westville, Florida

Cerise Rhubarb Jam

This tangy sweet spread is "jam-packed" with lots of cherry flavour, plus a hint of rhubarb. My mother gives jars of it to friends during rhubarb season—information technology's and then delicious on toast and muffins. —Faye Sampson, Radcliffe, Iowa

Rhubarb Nut Muffins

Muffins are my weakness! When I brand these to take to a gathering, I e'er come home with an empty plate. —Mary Kay Morris, Cokato, Minnesota

Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie

Slab pie is a pastry baked in a jelly-roll pan and cutting into slabs like a bar cookie—or a pie bar, if y'all volition. My gramps was a professional baker and served pieces of slab pie to his customers dorsum in the day. Here is my spin, featuring rhubarb and gorgeous red raspberries. —Jeanne Ambrose, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Blueberry/Rhubarb Breakfast Sauce

My husband's aunt gave me this recipe, and it's become our family's favorite breakfast topping. Sometimes I'll substitute cherry pie filling (which I put through the blender) for the blueberry pie filling—it's tasty, too! —Rita Wagenmann, Grangeville, Idaho

Blueberry-Rhubarb Crumble

A dollop of whipped topping adds a nice finishing touch to this satisfying crumble. Sometimes I drizzle a lilliputian flavored coffee creamer on pinnacle instead of the whipped topping. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana

Strawberry-Rhubarb Cream Dessert

A neighbor shared this recipe with me, and I created my own variation using garden-fresh rhubarb and strawberries. The shortbread crust and creamy sweet-tart layers went over big at a family party—non a nibble was left! —Sara Zignego, Hartford, Wisconsin

Rhubarb-Cherry Chutney

I love surprising recipes like this chutney with rhubarb, apple tree and cherries. Try it with cream cheese and crackers or as a condiment for grilled craven. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Rhubarb Dumplings

I honey to try new recipes. When I served these at a contempo family gathering, I got lots of compliments. —Elsie Shell, Topeka, Indiana

Rhubarb Mint Tea

A bumper crop of rhubarb and mint from my garden inspired me to create this thirst-quenching pick-me-upward. Raspberries deepen the tea'due south vibrant red color, making the drinks a pretty addition to your table. —Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington

Rhubarb Berry Upside-Downwardly Cake

I had leftover rhubarb and wanted to create something fresh. With blueberries, strawberries and dried cranberries on hand, I discovered I had a berry upside-downwards block. —June Paul, Portage, Wisconsin

Rhubarbecue

This simmered sauce is a roller-coaster ride for your tongue. It's a wonderful blend of complex flavors that goes with whatever meat. — Rd Stendel-Freels, Albuquerque, New United mexican states

Rhubarb Swirl Cheesecake

I love cheesecake and my husband loves chocolate, so this is a favorite dessert of ours. The rhubarb adds a tartness that complements the sweetness flavors so well.—Carol Witczak, Tinley Park, Illinois

Rhubarb-Filled Cookies

I won a blueish ribbon at our local fair for these tender cookies. They're so pretty with the red-ruddy filling peeking through the dough. Endeavor making these special cookies and sentry the smiles appear. —Pauline Bondy, Grand Forks, Due north Dakota

Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

This tangy Strawberry Rhubarb Jam recipe is a favorite with my family unit. They'll put it on almost anything, merely especially like information technology on muffins or buttermilk biscuits. —Deb Kooistra, Kitchener, Ontario

Rhubarb Upside-Down Block

I've baked this block every spring for many years, and my family loves information technology! Use your own fresh rhubarb, hitting upward a farmers marketplace or find a neighbor who will trade stalks for the recipe! —Helen Breman, Mattydale, New York

Dijon-Rubbed Pork with Rhubarb Sauce

This tender pork loin roast served with a rhubarb-orange sauce is simply delicious! Here'due south an excellent choice for company—it makes a memorable repast. —Marilyn Rodriguez, Sparks, Nevada

Rhubarb Scones

My grandfather grows rhubarb and gives us a generous supply. The tartness is similar to a cranberry—perfect for tossing into a scone. —Danielle Lee, Sewickley, Pennsylvania

Refreshing Rhubarb Ice Foam

No matter where my military family unit is stationed, this ice cream e'er makes me think of my parents' backyard rhubarb patch in Rochester, New York. —Rachel Garcia, Honolulu, Hawaii

Strawberry/Rhubarb Crumb Pie

Anybody seems to have a rhubarb patch here in Maine. This pie won starting time prize at our church fair; I hope it's a winner at your house, too! —Paula Phillips, Eastward Winthrop, Maine

Strawberry-Rhubarb Flip Cake

My friend Dave always brought two strawberry rhubarb cakes to piece of work to celebrate his birthday. He'd use upwardly rhubarb growing in the thou and care for his co-workers. —Charlene Schwartz, Maple Plain, Minnesota

Rhubarb Fool with Strawberries

A fool is a classic British and Irish dessert that's usually made with whipped cream and cooked fruit. Try my quick version with rhubarb and berries. —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado

Blueberry Rhubarb Land Tart

When the rhubarb comes in, mix it with blueberries for a rustic and bubbly tart. Offer it to a friend with a warm cup of tea. —Jeanne Ambrose, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Peach Rhubarb Jam

This quick jam is easy to brand, especially for beginning jam makers. It also makes a great gift for friends and family unit! —Darlene Desotel, Monona, Iowa

Rhubarb Cheesecake Squares

It'due south rhubarb season, then now'southward the time to try this rich and tangy cheese bar. It'south bound to be a hitting with the rhubarb lovers y'all know. —Sharon Schmidt, Mandan, North Dakota

Rhubarb Berry Cheesecake Pie

My grandparents grew a ton of stuff in their garden, including rhubarb and strawberries. We typically baked it into pies and cobblers, but then Mom found this recipe and it became a fresh, new favorite. —LeeAnn McCue, Charlotte, Northward Carolina

Gluten-Free Rhubarb Confined

Nothing tastes like spring more than rhubarb and strawberry. The crust and crumb topping on these bars are so tasty, nobody will know they're eating gluten-gratuitous. —Lisa Wilson, Virginia, Minnesota

Pineapple-Rhubarb Jam

Rhubarb, pineapple and strawberry make an awesome jam that brings back memories of living on a farm and growing my own rhubarb. —Debbi Barate, Seward, Pennsylvania

Rhubarb Pork Chop Casserole

The usual reaction to this casserole is that it's a nice mix of sweet and tart—and an unusual utilise of rhubarb! I similar rhubarb, but I'm not a dessert person. I always thought pies and cobblers shouldn't exist the only ways to savour information technology. —Jeanie Brush, Decatur, Illinois

Rhubarb Strawberry Cobbler

Mom's yummy cobbler is a truly wonderful finale to any meal. This family favorite is sweetness and tart, chock-full of berries and rhubarb, and the thick chaff is so like shooting fish in a barrel to make. —Susan Emery, Everett, Washington

Rhubarb Bread

This is quite a good bread - our family really enjoys it! It's also very quick and easy to ready, once you take the rhubarb diced. —Grace Capen, Sacramento, California

Apple Rhubarb Crumb Pie

My family and friends always enquire for my apple rhubarb pie for birthdays and become-togethers. Everyone loves the unique flavour that the rhubarb adds to this pie. —Sherri Moon, Decatur, Indiana.

Slow-Cooker Rhubarb Strawberry Sauce

We recently started growing our ain rhubarb, and we live in a office of Oregon where strawberries are plentiful. I created this to drizzle over water ice cream and filled a well-baked with the rest. —Kim Banick, Salem, Oregon

Perfect Rhubarb Pie

Cipher hides the tangy rhubarb in this lovely pie, which has just the right residue of sweet and tart. Serving this dessert is a prissy way to gloat the end of wintertime! — Ellen Benninger, Greenville, Pennsylvania

Rhubarb Marmalade

My daughter makes this marmalade every jump when rhubarb'south abundant. Our family enjoys her gift…a refreshing departure in season from all the berry jams and jellies. —Leo Nerbonne, Delta Juction, Alaska

Rhubarb Mandarin Crisp

An attractive dessert, this crisp is also a popular breakfast dish at our house, served with a glass of milk rather than topped with ice cream. Because it calls for lots of rhubarb, it'due south a great use for the bounty you harvest. —Rachael Vandendool, Barry's Bay, Ontario

Rhubarb Berry Java Cake

I rely on a cake mix to speed the prep for this moist streusel-topped dessert that pairs tart rhubarb with sweet strawberries. It's cracking all by itself, merely feel free to add together some frosting or ice cream. —Jackie Heyer, Cushing, Iowa

Rosy Rhubarb Upside-Downwards Cake

Here's a cake that gets its rosy hue from the rhubarb topping. It's moist on top and light as a feather on the bottom. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

Rhubarb Ketchup

I received this recipe from a friend about 15 years ago. It's a nice surprise for ketchup lovers, and so easy to prepare. The spicy season makes this ane of the tastiest ketchups I've e'er had! —Faith McLillian, Rawdon, Quebec

Winnie'southward Mini Rhubarb & Strawberry Pies

Every bound, we had strawberries and rhubarb on our farm outside Seattle. These fruity hand pies remind me of those times and of Grandma Winnie'due south blistering. —Shawn Carleton, San Diego, California

Rhubarb Fool with Strawberries

A fool is a classic British and Irish dessert that's usually fabricated with whipped cream and cooked fruit. Try my quick version with rhubarb and berries. —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado

Strawberry-Rhubarb Water ice Pops

These cool, flossy pops are a deliciously different way to use up the bounty from your rhubarb patch. —Donna Linihan, Moncton, New Brunswick

Rhubarb Mallow Cobbler

My mom used to make this cobbler every year when I was growing upwards. At present we take fresh rhubarb to my son in Texas then he can share this recipe with his family. —Judy Kay Warwick, Webster City, Iowa

Rhubarb Citrus Punch

Rhubarb grows abundantly in our large farm garden. I'll brand this punch for summertime gatherings or for special occasions with our extended family. —Ina Frey, St. Clemens, Ontario

Raspberry Rhubarb Jam

I dear making and enjoying this jam, but I normally end upwards giving most of it away! It's always a well-received souvenir. —LaVonne Van Hoff, Rockwell City, Iowa

Caramel Rhubarb Cobbler

I came up with this recipe after hearing a friend fondly retrieve his grandmother's rhubarb dumplings. My son especially likes rhubarb, and this old-fashioned dessert lets those special stalks star. -Beverly Shebs, Pinehurst, North Carolina

Buttery Rhubarb Baklava

I like to take treats to my co-workers at the nursery/gift shop where I work. When rhubarb season arrives, I make this rich, sweet baklava so I can share the fruits of my garden. —Sue Bolsinger, Anchorage, Alaska

Apple-Rhubarb Bread

Rhubarb is such a jewel that I freeze it to accept all year. Here's how my female parent used rhubarb – in an apple tree bread spiced with cinnamon. —Linda Tom, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Coconut Cheesecake & Rhubarb Compote

I took my daughter's love of cheesecake plus my mom's love of kokosnoot and rhubarb and ran with it. Try it with a smidge of chocolate sauce, also. —Wendy Rusch, Trego, Wisconsin

Flavorful Strawberry-Rhubarb Jam

I consider this sweet flavorful jam summertime in a jar! The fruity concoction is simply scrumptious spread on sandwiches, toast, English muffins and more. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin

Winning Rhubarb-Strawberry Pie

While beingness raised on a farm I oft ate rhubarb, so information technology's natural for me to use it in a pie. I prefer to use lard for the flaky pie crust and thin, ruby rhubarb stalks for the filling. These two fiddling secrets helped this recipe win summit honors at the 2013 Iowa State Off-white. —Marianne Carlson, Jefferson, Iowa

English Rhubarb Crumble

When I met my English language husband and served him just the crumble, he said information technology was fantastic just really needed a custard sauce over information technology. Nosotros found a terrific sauce recipe from England, and at present the pair is perfect together. I wouldn't serve information technology any other mode. —Amy Freeman, Cave Creek, Arizona

Rhubarb Jelly

I help help my hubby with the pouring and skimming for this jelly—my own personal favorite. It's nice as both a breakfast spread and a topping for pork or other meat. —Jean Coleman, Ottawa, Ontario

Rhu-berry Pie

I melt in a java store, and then I'grand always looking for new and unique pies to serve my customers. The combination of blueberries and rhubarb in this recipe defenseless my heart and information technology was an instant best-seller. —Karen Dougherty, Freeport, Illinois

Shortcake with Fresh Rhubarb Sauce

Every jump when her rhubarb was ready, my mother-in-law chopped it up for this moist block. If your rhubarb is also tart for the sauce, just add in some strawberries. —Rena McCalment, Sharpsville, Indiana

Rhubarb Oat Bars

These chewy rhubarb bars provide just the correct amount of tartness and sugariness. They are simply unbeatable! —Renette Cressey, Fort Mill, Southward Carolina

Rhubarb Compote with Yogurt & Almonds

My Grandma Dot used to make rhubarb compote and always had some in the freezer when I came to visit. This breakfast is a tribute to her. No two stalks of rhubarb are exactly alike, so brand certain to taste the compote earlier yous chill it. Information technology should be tart, but sometimes information technology needs a footling extra saccharide. —Michael Hoffman, Brooklyn, New York

Tiresome-Cooked Strawberry Rhubarb Sauce

This tart and tangy fruit sauce is excellent over pound block or ice cream. I have served this topping many times and have gotten rave reviews from friends and family. —Judith Wasman, Harkers Island, North Carolina

Almond Rhubarb Cobbler

In spring, I frequently brand this tangy beige-topped treat.—Pat Habiger, Spearville, Kansas

Spinach Salad with Rhubarb Dressing

Spinach salad is splendid with this tangy topping, which actually perks it up. A friend shared a similar salad dressing recipe with me and I modified it a bit. The rhubarb adds rosy colour and mouthwatering season.—Twila Mitchell, Lindsborg, Kansas

Ricotta Scones with Rhubarb-Orangish Compote

Eaten warm with a dollop of fruit compote, these scones are a trivial piece of heaven. If serving to guests, exist prepared to share the recipe. —Marilyn Rodriguez, Fairbanks, Alaska

Rhubarb-Blueberry Crumble

Rhubarb and strawberry often become together, only blueberries requite rhubarb a fresh and summery touch. — Mike Schulz, Tawas City, Michigan

Rhubarb Raisin Marmalade

At a retreat in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, I sampled a marmalade combining rhubarb and raisins. I loved information technology then much that I went home and tried to duplicate it. I added the strawberries to brand the marmalade even sweeter. —Carmen Constrict, Airdrie, Alberta

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