rhubarb

Rhubarb is a plant known for its tart, tangy flavor and bright red stalks, which are the only edible part of the plant—the leaves are toxic and should never be consumed. In cooking, rhubarb is often treated as a fruit, although it's botanically a vegetable. It's used in a variety of dishes, primarily sweet but sometimes savory. Here's how rhubarb is commonly used in cooking:

Pies and Tarts:

Rhubarb Pie: Often referred to as "pie plant," rhubarb is famous for its use in pies, either on its own or mixed with strawberries to balance its tartness with their sweetness.

Tarts: Rhubarb is also used in tarts, where its tart flavor complements the sweet pastry crust and fillings.

Desserts:

Crisps and Crumbles: Rhubarb is a popular choice for crisps and crumbles, baked with a topping of oats, flour, butter, and sugar.

Compotes and Jams: Cooked down with sugar, rhubarb makes delicious compotes and jams, often flavored with vanilla, ginger, or orange zest.

Cakes and Muffins:

Rhubarb is added to cakes and muffins, where its tartness offers a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the baked goods.

Sauces and Syrups:

Dessert Sauces: Rhubarb is cooked into sauces to serve with desserts, such as ice cream or cheesecake.

Syrups: Rhubarb syrup, made by cooking rhubarb with sugar and water, is used in cocktails and sodas for a unique, tangy flavor.

Beverages:

Rhubarb Wine and Cocktails: Rhubarb is used to make wine and is also a flavorful ingredient in cocktails, adding a tart, fruity note.

Savory Dishes:

While less common, rhubarb can be incorporated into savory dishes. It's added to stews and slow-cooked meats, where its acidity can help balance rich flavors.

Pickles:

Rhubarb can be pickled, often with spices and vinegar, serving as a tangy accompaniment to cheese platters, salads, or sandwiches.

Breakfast Dishes:

Yogurt and Oatmeal: Stewed rhubarb is served with yogurt or mixed into oatmeal for a tangy start to the day.

Pancakes and Waffles: Rhubarb compote or pieces of fresh rhubarb can be used as a topping for pancakes and waffles.

When cooking with rhubarb, it's usually necessary to add sugar or another sweetener to counteract its natural tartness. The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on personal taste and the specific recipe. Rhubarb is also often paired with ginger, orange zest, or strawberries, which complement its tart flavor. Rhubarb is typically harvested in spring and early summer, making it a popular choice for seasonal recipes during these times.