Everything You Can Make With Rhubarb, the Ultimate Springtime Ingredient
Despite growing up in New England, the first time I ever experienced rhubarb was when I moved all the way across the Atlantic Ocean to London. Because the hardy perennial is capable of enduring harsh winters, it's a popular spring harvest up north, stretching from Maine all the way to Alaska. Yet, despite it being described as “the ultimate New England plant,” the first time I truly came into contact with it was at a farmer’s market near my southeast London home.
I visited the market with one of my roommates, tote bags over our shoulders to carry home lots of fresh veggies, crispy sourdough bread, and a few sweets. As we perused the offerings at one stall, I noticed my roommate reach for a bundle of long, reddish stalks, marveling at what she could make with them.
It wasn’t until later that day—when she was cooking the now chopped up pieces of the pinkish-green fruit into what looked like a thick jam—that I realized it was rhubarb. It was something I kept seeing on both food and drink menus in the city but hadn't yet tried. Eventually, I gave into the rhubarb craze, dipping my toe in with a refreshing rhubarb gin and tonic. The tartness kept it from being too sweet, the addictive flavor combination leading me to then sample rhubarb pies, crumbles, and bars.
Upon moving back home, I realized I’d been surrounded by the fruit—although technically a vegetable—all along, noticing huge stalks sprouting out of the ground on walks around my hometown. However, whenever I enjoy rhubarb these days, it always reminds me of the bliss that is a sunny spring day in London.
Unlike myself, many have grown up enjoying rhubarb recipes, often as tried and true recipes passed down in their family. Ree Drummond is a huge fan, developing a taste for it from trips with her grandmother to a little restaurant that served rhubarb pie all day. Yum!
While the stalk is fine to eat, rhubarb's leaves are poisonous! Make sure you discard these if picking fresh.
If you’re new to the world of this intriguing plant, you'll find tons of recipes ahead to try this spring. You might want to start with a classic recipe, like a rhubarb and strawberry pie or cobbler. It’s perfect for anyone who likes their treats with a little tang. Pick from the sweet and savory offerings, as well as drinks that will liven up any springtime affair. Before you know it, you’ll be a rhubarb connoisseur!
Rhubarb Breakfast Recipes
Whether you're after a freshly baked loaf of bread or hearty serving of French toast, there are several ways to add a little rhubarb flavor to the start of your day.
Cinnamon Rhubarb Bread from A Farmgirl's Dabbles
Strawberry Rhubarb Baked Oatmeal from A Pretty Life
Strawberry Rhubarb Baked French Toast from Two Peas and Their Pod
Rhubarb Dessert Recipes
Here are some traditional rhubarb desserts, including a cobbler and a crumble, as well as a few dishes with creative twists!
Cherry-Rhubarb Crumble from Sweet Potato Soul
White Chocolate Strawberry Rhubarb Cookies from Aberdeen's Kitchen
Rhubarb Crumble Ice Cream from A Cookie Named Desire
Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars from Sally's Baking Addiction
Savory Rhubarb Recipes
Believe it or not, you can infuse some rhubarb flavor into your dinners as well, whether cooking fish, pork, chicken, or veggies.
Baked Salmon with Rhubarb from Feasting at Home
Rhubarb and Cinnamon Red Lentil Curry from Lowly Food
Brined Grilled Pork Chops with Rhubarb Sauce from Italian Food Forever
Crispy Rhubarb Lemon Chicken Bake from Cotter Crunch
Rhubarb Cocktail Recipes
Looking for a refreshing drink to kick back with on a sunny spring day? These rhubarb cocktails will be the perfect sip.
Berry Rhubarb Punch from Grandbaby Cakes
Rhubarb Fizz Cocktail from Baked Bree
Rhubarb Ginger Gin from Where Is My Spoon
Rhubarb Bourbon Sour from Salted Plains
Rhubarb Spreads
For condiments to keep on hand, try rhubarb-infused butter, curd, and jam to spread on toast.
Rhubarb Butter from The View from Great Island
Rhubarb Curd from Vikalinka
Roasted Rhubarb Jam from Simply Scratch
