I had a friend who moved into a new home that had a couple of large rhubarb plants.?á While she didn’t like it for herself, she still kept the plants which she harvested each year and generously gave the stems away to friends and family.?á Right now at this time of year you are probably seeing bags of rhubarb passing hands.

History of Rhubarb

With it’s unique fruity flavour for pies and desserts the Rhubarb is actually a perennial vegetable.?á It forms large leaves with long thick edible stalks on a plant that dates back to 2700 B.C. where the Chinese were know to use it for medicinal purposes.

Growing Rhubarb

Rhubarb in flower.

Rhubarb grows best in well-draining fertile soil in cooler climate areas and needs lots of space since some plants grow up to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide.?á Occasionally Rhubarb will send up stalks of flowers due to the maturity of the plant but these should be cut back immediately to protect the plants vigour.?á You should also divide you plant every 4 to 5 years to kept it healthy and the stems thick and abundant.

Nutrition

Rhubarb is rich in vitamin C, dietary fibre and calcium.?á It is completely fat-free and contains approximately 26 calories per cup.

Be warned that the Rhubarb contains oxalate, which can cause poisoning if large quantities of leaves are ingested so only use the stems for culinary purposes.

Uses of Rhubarb

Cleaning pots and pans

Apply rhubarb over a burnt area of pots and pans and the shine will return in no time.

Insecticide

Rhubarb can be used as an effective natural insecticide for leaf-eating insects like slugs, aphids and caterpillars.?á Boil 2 pounds of leaves with 3 litres water for 15 to 20 minutes.?á Let it cool.?á Strain and then dissolve 1/8 cup soap chips into liquid.?á Spray directly on leaves.

Rhubarb will stain so use old kitchen equipment and be careful of spilling on clothes.

Culinary Uses

Most commonly Rhubarb is used in making desserts, pies, jams and fruit compotes.?á While it is regularly paired up with strawberries, it tastes equally as good with other fruits and also on it’s own.?á Experiment and enjoy.

Orange Rhubarb Muffin Recipe
How do you cook your Rhubarb?