How to cut and prepare rhubarb: a versatile plant, appearing in ice-creams, cakes and jams etc. The tartness lends itself to balance out the sweetness when put in sweet treats, making it the perfect baking ingredient.

Plant species: polygonaceae
Plant name in Latin: Rheum rhabarbarum

How to cut and prepare rhubarb

When is rhubarb in season?

Here in the UK, rhubarb season runs from late December to March for forced rhubarb, which tends to be a lot more yellow in appearance and a lot more tender than its in-season variety. Field grown Rhubarb is harvested from April and has a lot sweeter taste.

Is rhubarb a fruit or a vegetable?

As much as rhubarb would be considered a fruit, it’s technically a vegetable. I know, mind-blown!

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How do I cut and prepare rhubarb?

WARNING: Rhubarb contains a poisonous leaf which contains oxalic acid, you MUST NOT consume this part. Cut those parts off first and throw away.

1. First you need to cut off both ends of the rhubarb stalk. Here I have shown the ends I have already cut.

2. Next, peel your rhubarb. I like to use a peeler like this as it helps me to grip better. Also I am left-handed!

3. The easiest way to ensure you make the most of your rhubarb, is to cut it lengthways, like this:

4. Now you can cut your rhubarb into small pieces, ready for cooking.

5. I’m going to be roasting mine, so i’ll put it in a baking tray, along with a few tbsps of sugar to balance out the tartness.

How do I store rhubarb?

You should store rhubarb in the fridge, especially after cooking. You’ll know when it’s starting to go off as the stalk will become bendy. After roasting or stewing, rhubarb can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days before using it.

How do I cook rhubarb?

Rhubarb can be stewed/poached by putting it in a pan along with a few tbsp of sugar, for about 10 minutes until soft. Roasting is also a nice way to cook rhubarb. Add sugar to a roasting tray along with the rhubarb and roast for about 15-20 minutes until soft.