Rhubarb is in season now. The tender stalks can be cooked in so many different recipes, from crumbles, cookies and cakes to jams and chutneys. Not only does it have a lovely taste, it is good for you and is easy to grow in your own garden or in a container on your patio.
How To Grow Rhubarb
It really is so easy to grow – it must be because I’ve grown it for many years now, and every Spring it produces plenty of tender and juicy stalks for me!
I grow mine in a small bed at the end of the garden, but you can grow it in a large container. I purchased a crown from a local garden centre and planted it. I’m just your average gardener, or rather my wife Jane is, and growing this fruit takes very little effort. All we do is pick the stems, and then in Autumn we cut back the old stalks and apply well composted chicken manure around the crown of the plant. Our rescued hens provide an abundance of chicken manure!!
Rhubarb Is Good For You
Rhubarb is packed with nutrients and contains few calories (100g contains only 21 calories). Organic Facts lists the following seven health benefits of eating it:
- Reduces risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Stimulates production of red blood cells.
- Aids in weight loss
- Strengthens digestive system
- Helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
- Stimulates bone growth and repair.
- Prevents cancer and macular degeneration.
It is also claimed that it:
- Improves vision as it contains vitamin C and lutein.
- Reduces hot flushes due to the presence of phytoestrogens.
- Delays the signs of ageing and prevents skin infections due to the fact that it is rich in vitamin A.
Rhubarb Recipes
Rhubarb Crumble
An easy recipe for this classic British dessert – a crisp and crumbly topping covering sweet juicy fruit underneath. Served with hot custard or double cream, it’s comfort food at its best!
My previous blog referred to the health benefits of apples. Why not mix the fruit and bake a Rhubarb & Apple Crumble?
Rhubarb & Almond Cake
A delicious moist cake with rhubarb and almonds. One slice is never enough!
Chocolate & Rhubarb Oaty Cookies
These taste incredible! Crisp on the outside and chewy in the middle. A nutritious snack.
Rhubarb Ginger & Walnut Bread
If you like freshly made bread then this recipe is a must! A yeast dough layered with a sharp fruit and ginger coated crunchy walnuts. Delicious!!
Rhubarb Chutney
This chutney is not so well known yet it delivers an incredible tangy flavour. Superb for sandwiches with cold meats or cheese. Why not give it a go?
How To Freeze Rhubarb
If you grow your own rhubarb, after a few years you are likely to have more than you can eat or give away. It is, however, simple to freeze and then you can use it over the winter months.
- Cut off the leaves.
- Remove all the imperfections in the stems.
- Wash & dry the stems.
- Chop into small & even pieces.
- Put into a freezer bag & empty it of all the air.
- Freeze.
If you have a patio or garden then I would recommend growing rhubarb. You will then be able to pick the freshest produce possible and there are no food miles. Be aware, however, that the leaves are poisonous. The stems are simply delicious and can be used in a wide variety of dishes. On top of this, it is good for you.
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