Rhubarb is often used as a fruit in many desserts and pies, even though it is technically considered a vegetable instead of a fruit. Normally, a fruit is defined as the edible part of a plant that contains seeds. Since rhubarb does not produce seeds or flowers, it does not meet this botanical definition. However, in culinary practices, rhubarb is commonly treated like a fruit. So, whether you consider it a vegetable or a fruit, there’s no denying that rhubarb makes for a delicious pie!
Is Rhubarb a Fruit?
You might be asking: “Is rhubarb a fruit?” But if you look at its ingredients, you may be surprised that it is a vegetable.
Despite the name, this perennial plant is bitter and tangy. It’s similar in taste to celery and green apples and requires some effort to pair with other sweet ingredients. Rhubarb pairs well with vanilla, honey, cinnamon, and berries, but it also complements savory dishes with its tangy taste.
Rhubarb Is a Fruit
A perennial vegetable, rhubarb is best known for its vibrant pink stalk. Its medicinal properties date back to ancient China and Rome. A gardener in Maine brought its seeds to the United States during the late 1700s.
High in the antioxidant anthocyanin, rhubarb is excellent for heart health. It also promotes bone health and healthy blood circulation. For these reasons, rhubarb is a delicious fruit to add to your diet.
The stalks of rhubarb should be about a foot long when picked. Do not pull the stalks too hard, or you risk damaging the roots. This plant will produce up to six pounds of stalks in a season. Choose a fertile, well-drained site to ensure that your rhubarb plants will produce healthy stalks. If you don’t have good soil, you can try using soil amendments to improve drainage.
Rhubarb Is a Perennial Vegetable
Rhubarb is a hardy vegetable that thrives in most garden soils. In addition to fertilizer and compost, it also benefits from a high nitrogen mixture. It should receive ample water both during and after the harvesting season. It grows best when the soil is moist and well-drained. Rhubarb needs space to spread. In most cases, it will grow best when planted four feet apart.
Although rhubarb is a vegetable, it is commonly prepared like a fruit. This delicious vegetable is usually made into pies, jams, jellies, and other sweet dishes. Although rhubarb is a perennial vegetable, it can be grown in a container and is an ornamental plant. It grows well in many areas and can extend for up to 20 years. Planting rhubarb in early spring or summer is best because it develops fast and produces lots of fruit.
Rhubarb Is a Good Source of Vitamins
Rhubarb is high in phytochemicals, which protect cells from damage and help fight cancer. These compounds also boost the metabolism of the body. Researchers at the Burn Treatment Center of Shanxi Province at Tisco General Hospital found that rhubarb promotes healthy digestion.
The plant is also helpful in promoting regularity and relieving stomach discomfort. The phytochemicals in rhubarb may help fight off cancer and reduce cholesterol levels.
The most significant vitamin in rhubarb is vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in bone metabolism.
Vitamin K protects bones by preventing osteoporosis. Calcium is a substantial part of the plant’s composition and provides about 10% of the recommended daily allowance. As an added benefit, vitamin K inhibits neuronal damage in the brain. It may also help prevent the onset of osteoporosis.
Rhubarb Is a Good Source of Oxalic Acid
Even though rhubarb is poisonous, it is a relatively safe source of oxalic acid. Oxalic acid is found in the leaves of rhubarb. However, consuming large amounts of rhubarb leaves could harm your health. The rhubarb leaves are much less toxic than their stalks; you need about eleven pounds of them to obtain twenty-five grams of oxalic acid.
Many people are unaware of the high level of oxalic acid present in rhubarb. The chemical compound is found in several vegetables, including broccoli, spinach, Brussel sprouts, and rhubarb. While it is not harmful in regular amounts, it can cause stomach aches and vomiting in high doses. This may be one of the reasons for the rhubarb’s poisonous effect.
Conclusion
Rhubarb is a hardy vegetable that grows well in most soils. It is commonly used in sweet dishes, such as pies and jams. Rhubarb is a good source of vitamins K, C, and A and phytochemicals that may help fight cancer.
I love my Rhubarb as a cake. I especially like it with strawberry frosting on top. It’s a great way to use up all of that rhubarb in the garden, and everyone always loves it when I serve it at parties.
Delicious, moist, and packed with flavor, my rhubarb cake is simply the best. I start with a classic white cake mix, then add in fresh diced rhubarb, a touch of cinnamon, and a dash of nutmeg. The result is a heavenly cake that is perfect for any occasion. And believe me, I have plenty of events to enjoy it!
My rhubarb cake is always a hit on birthdays and anniversaries. You name it. So if you’re looking for a delicious dessert that will have your guests coming back for seconds, give my rhubarb cake a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Ilana has been a vegan for over 10 years. She originally made the switch for health reasons, but soon found herself becoming more and more passionate about the ethical and environmental implications of a vegan lifestyle. Ilana is the author of The Graceful Kitchen, a blog all about veganism. She loves to cook up delicious and nutritious vegan meals, and share her recipes with others who are interested in leading a cruelty-free life. Ilana is also a strong advocate for using whole foods as the foundation of a healthy diet, and believes that going vegan is one of the best ways to achieve this.
