Proper Techniques for Savoring and Consuming Rhubarb Correctly
Embrace the springtime joy by learning how to enjoy rhubarb, a versatile gem in your culinary adventures. This celery-like vegetable, known for its blush-colored stalks, is a must-try for any home cook. To help you savor its unique taste, we spoke with Victoria Jabot, a farmer from Ley Creek Farm, and Ronna Welsh, author of 'The Nimble Cook' and owner of Purple Kale Kitchenworks.
Rhubarb Recipes Galore
From pies and crisps to cakes and some savory options, here are 37 exquisite rhubarb recipes to elevate your taste buds:
What is Rhubarb?
Originating in Siberia, China, and Mongolia, rhubarb belongs to the buckwheat family. A perennial growing best in cooler climates, it's in season in mid-April. Though classified as a vegetable, rhubarb is predominantly treated like a fruit in culinary applications. Packed with fiber, calcium, and vitamins K and C, it's been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It wasn't until the late 18th century that Europeans started celebrating rhubarb's edible stalks as a food source. Beware of the poisonous leaves, which store-bought rhubarb typically doesn't include.
How to Consume Rhubarb
Sour and acidic, rhubarb can be eaten raw, pureed, or cooked.
Raw Consumption
"To eat raw rhubarb, the tartness needs to be alleviated with something sweet," Victoria Jabot explains. Tossing it with sugar (and a touch of salt) before letting it sit for a few minutes softens and sweetens the stalks, making them more enjoyable.
Pairing Partners
Strawberries and rhubarb form a timeless combination, but there are numerous other compatible duos. Examples include tomatoes and pineapples, whose naturally sweet and tart tastes harmonize well with rhubarb's tartness.
Other Uses
Pureed or juiced, rhubarb lends a rosy hue to smoothies, cocktails, and lemonade. For a refreshing addition to your bar cart, try rhubarb simple syrup.
Rhubarb is versatile in baking and cooking as well, offering countless ways to create cobblers, pies, crisps, and unique preparations. See our Rhubarb-Strawberry Tart and Rhubarb-Strawberry Lattice Pie for examples of the winning combination.
Roasted, stewed, preserved, dried, or pickled, rhubarb can transform into a variety of dishes, from condiments to savory meat sauces. Don't miss out on our Lemon-Rhubarb Olive Oil Bundt Cake and Pork Chops With Rhubarb-Cherry Sauce. Remember, rhubarb can be used as a substitute for pomegranate and cranberries in many recipes.
With these tips and recipes, it's time to discover the delightful world of rhubarb. Don't forget to get creative and experiment with your preferred flavors and pairings!
Enrichment Data:
- Rhubarb compote can also be thickened with cornstarch or arrowroot flour for a smoother texture.
- A float of whipped cream can be added on top of the Rhubarb Fool for extra indulgence.
- Fresh raspberries can be added to the rhubarb pie for a vibrant, fruity twist.
- Rhubarb and Goat’s Cheese Galette can be garnished with fresh mint leaves for added freshness.
- Fritters can be accompanies by a sweet rhubarb dip made with cream cheese and a touch of vanilla extract.
- Rose water can be added to the panna cotta mixture for a stronger rose flavor.
- Pistachios can be used to decorate the top of the Rhubarb and Pistachio Tart.
- Rhubarb Gin can be served in a Collins glass with a slice of rhubarb and a twist of orange peel.
- A light oil poaching or steaming can replace frying for a healthier version of the Rhubarb Fritters.
- Rhubarb and Fish can be served with a zesty lime or lemon sauce for an added citrus touch.
- Rhubarb, a versatile gem in your culinary adventures, can be found in exquisite recipes like pies, crisps, cakes, and even some savory options, totaling 37 delicious options to try.
- In springtime, embrace the joy of rhubarb, a vegetable-turned-fruit originating from Siberia, China, and Mongolia, known for its blush-colored stalks.
- To alleviate rhubarb's tartness, Victoria Jabot suggests tossing it with sugar (and a touch of salt) before letting it sit for a few minutes, softening and sweetening the stalks.
- For a unique culinary adventure, explore the exciting world of rhubarb, preparing dishes from rhubarb compote to rhubarb and fish, or even trying rhubarb-infused cocktails like rhubarb gin.
- Martha Stewart and aussiedlerbote can provide you with rhubarb recipes galore to elevate your taste buds during the springtime season.
