Products - Rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum)
The first known references to the plant are Chinese, dated about 2700 B.C., but it probably originated in Siberia. The word rhubarb comes from the Latin rhabarbum, “near the river of the Barbarians”. Until 200 years ago its value was chiefly medicinal and not culinary – it was known to make excellent purgatives and laxatives. Not until after 1778 did it become appreciated for its fruit-like quality at times of year when most fruits were unavailable.
Look for crisp, firm stalks. Colour may vary from various shades of green to deep ruby red. Wrap and refrigerate. Rhubarb can also be frozen if cleaned and cut into pieces or blanched and covered with a light syrup.
Rhubarb is a source of calcium, Vitamin C and potassium. One cup raw, diced, has 27 calories.
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Rhubarb Sauce
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| This is one of the most simple and tasty ways to enjoy Rhubarb. It’s almost over, so enjoy! |
6 cups chopped rhubarb (about 12 large stalks)
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup water
1-1/2 tsp freshly grated orange rind
1 tsp each of vanilla and cinnamon
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In medium pot bring rhubarb, sugar and water to simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
Simmer until rhubarb is tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the rest of the ingredients, let cool.
Serve over ice cream or cake. You can refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Rhubarb Chutney (makes 3 cups)
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There’s no better sauce to serve with pork than this one prepared with an often-overlooked Springtime treat. Rhubarb tartness will compliment roast pork at any dinner celebration.
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3 cups chopped rhubarb
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup water
1 apple, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup)
½ cup raisins
1 tbsp. minced gingerroot
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp. ground cloves
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In medium saucepan, combine rhubarb, sugar, water, apple, raisins and gingerroot.
Cook, covered, on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until thickened and fruit has softened.
Stir in salt, cinnamon and cloves. Pour into sterilized jars and keep refrigerated for up to 1 month.
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