Rhubarb Facts


Rhubarb facts

Learn fun rhubarb facts and general information about rhubarb. This page includes how rhubarb grows, how to choose and store it, rhubarb nutrition facts, and easy rhubarb recipe ideas.

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Fun Rhubarb Facts

  • Rhubarb grows on a plant, not on a tree.
  • It is a perennial, which means it grows back year after year.
  • Rhubarb stalks can look a little like red celery.
  • Rhubarb tastes very tart, so it is often cooked with sugar.
  • Rhubarb is often used in pies, jams, and fruit desserts.

How Rhubarb Grows, Buying Tips, and Storage

When Rhubarb Is Available

Rhubarb is commonly available in springtime, especially in April and May.

How Does Rhubarb Grow?

Rhubarb grows on a plant. It is a perennial, which means it keeps growing year after year.

Rhubarb plant

What to Look for When Buying Rhubarb

Rhubarb stalks look a little like deep red celery. They should be thick, crisp, and have a deep red color.

Rhubarb Storage Tips

Store rhubarb in plastic bags in the refrigerator.

Important Safety Note: Rhubarb stalks are the part used in cooking. Do not eat the leaves.

How to Cook with Rhubarb

How to Use Rhubarb

  1. Wash the rhubarb stalks well.
  2. Trim the ends and cut into small pieces with adult help.
  3. Add sugar because rhubarb has a tart taste.
  4. Use rhubarb in pies, jams, custards, and fruit desserts.
Cooking Tip: Rhubarb is usually cooked with sugar because of its tart, acidic flavor.

Rhubarb + Strawberry Pairing

Why Do Rhubarb and Strawberries Go So Well Together?

Rhubarb is very tart, while strawberries are sweet and juicy. When they are cooked together, the sweetness of the strawberries balances the tart flavor of the rhubarb.

That is why strawberry rhubarb pie is such a popular flavor combination.

Rhubarb vs. Celery

Rhubarb looks a little like celery, but it is tart and usually used in desserts.

Celery is mild and crisp and is usually used in savory dishes.

Even though they can look similar, they taste very different and are used in different kinds of recipes.

Food Science: Why Rhubarb Is Tart

Why Does Rhubarb Taste So Sour?

Rhubarb has natural acids that give it a tart taste. That is why rhubarb often tastes too sour to eat plain.

When rhubarb is cooked with sugar, the sweet flavor balances the tartness.

Mini Activity

Rhubarb Color Change Cooking Activity

  1. Look at the rhubarb before cooking and notice its color.
  2. Cut the rhubarb into pieces with adult help.
  3. Cook the rhubarb gently with a little sugar and water.
  4. Watch how the color changes as it softens.
  5. Talk about how heat can change both the look and texture of foods.

This activity connects cooking with simple food science observation.

Rhubarb Nutrition Facts

Rhubarb contains potassium and a small amount of vitamin C.

  • Rhubarb contains potassium.
  • It also has a small amount of vitamin C.
  • Rhubarb is often used more for flavor in desserts than as a sweet fruit.

More Food Fact Resources




Rhubarb Recipes

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

A classic fruit pie made with rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, and pie crust.

  • Category: Dessert
  • Prep: 20 minutes
  • Cook: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Varies
Strawberry rhubarb pie
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Ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2/3 cup flour
  • 3 cups 1/2-inch pieces rhubarb
  • 3 cups sliced strawberries
  • Prepared pie crust
  • 1 tablespoon butter or stick margarine, if desired

Directions

  1. In a mixing bowl, add sugar and flour.
  2. Add rhubarb and strawberries and stir together.
  3. Prepare pie crust in pie plate.
  4. Pour rhubarb mixture into pie crust.
  5. Top with butter if desired.
  6. Cover with top crust and add slits.
  7. Bake at 425 degrees for 50 minutes or until crust is golden and pie is bubbly.
Serving Tip: This is one of the most classic ways to use rhubarb.

Rhubarb Custard

A simple rhubarb dessert made by cooking rhubarb with sugar and serving it with custard or pudding.

  • Category: Dessert
  • Prep: 10 minutes
  • Cook: 15 minutes
  • Yield: Varies

Submitted by: A reader

Rhubarb Custard 
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Ingredients

  • Rhubarb
  • Water
  • Sugar
  • Custard or pudding mix
  • Pinch of salt, optional

Directions

  1. Cook the rhubarb in water with sugar.
  2. Make custard or pudding from a packet.
  3. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
  4. Serve the rhubarb with the custard or pudding.
Easy Idea: This is a simple way to serve rhubarb in a soft dessert.

More Rhubarb and Fruit Dessert Ideas

Strawberry rhubarb pie

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

See the classic rhubarb and strawberry dessert pairing.

Rhubarb custard

Rhubarb Custard

Try rhubarb in a soft custard-style dessert.

Strawberry facts

Strawberry Facts

Learn more about the fruit that pairs so well with rhubarb.

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Everything You Need to Know 101

Rhubarb Facts FAQ

When is rhubarb available?

Rhubarb is commonly available in springtime, especially April and May.

How does rhubarb grow?

Rhubarb grows on a perennial plant, which means it comes back year after year.

What should you look for when buying rhubarb?

Choose thick, crisp stalks with a deep red color.

How should rhubarb be stored?

Store rhubarb in plastic bags in the refrigerator.

Why is rhubarb usually cooked with sugar?

Rhubarb has a tart, acidic flavor, so sugar is usually added to balance the taste.

What nutrients are in rhubarb?

Rhubarb contains potassium and a small amount of vitamin C.

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Reader's Submitted Recipes

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Rhubarb Pizza Not rated yet
1/4 c. sugar 1 c. flour 1 t. baking powder 1/4 t. salt 2 T. butter 1 egg 2 T. milk 3 cups rhubarb, chopped into 1 inch pieces 1 3-oz. pkg. strawberry …

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