First time with rhubarb

[Happy Chooks]

I'm aware that the leaves are toxic, but how do I tell when the rhubarb is ready?

 

[Mum]

I picked my first few stems this week. They were 1/2 pink, 1/2 green and were at the "snap" stage (rather than tug, bend, wiggle-giggle). Rhubarb is a tart stem, so taste isn't any indication. But mine cooked up fine with some sugar, roasted in a low oven and was used to make a delicious Rhubarb and Custard Cake.

 

[SunnyAlberta]

Rhubarb is a vegetable, not a fruit. It is always tart. I enjoy it stewed. To two cups of chopped, frozen, rhubarb I add a bit of water or juice and stir in a box of sugar-free Jello (strawberry, raspberry and orange are best, in my opinion) for a healthy, guilt-free snack. I like a bit of cinnamon in it, too. Its great with vanilla yogurt.

 

[Mum]

Ooh, SouthernAlberta, never even thought of adding a jelly to the mix; sounds delicious! Thank you

 

[Imp]

I'm aware that the leaves are toxic, but how do I tell when the rhubarb is ready?

Rhubarb doesn't really get "ripe" You can harvest it anytime spring, summer up to first frost. Color is not a good indicator either, Some varieties are very green and very red, and everything in between.
When I had it I always cut off the "flowers" when they appeared. They take energy from the stalks.
I would start pulling the stalks when I thought they were getting about as large as they would get, just a few at a time. I was told to not cut the stalk, but to gently wiggle them until they came out. This was supposed to prevent the crown from getting rotten.
I would harvest late spring until early summer and then stop and let the plant grow for the summer and fall. They store energy for the winter. If you take everything they can die.
I found that as my yard got shadier, the rhubarb got less vigorous quickly and died after a few years.

The first day I had chickens, they ate every leaf off my 2 large plants, when my back was turned. OMG I thought I was going to have to tell there previous owner that I killed her pets in hours. But they were fine.

Imp

 

[Happy Chooks]

Mum - I'd like that recipe please. I love custard and it's a great way to use up egg yolks.

Thanks for the info everyone - I will remember to wiggle. The plants were dormant and DH's grandmother dug them up out of her yard and gave them to me. They are leafing out fine now, but I wasn't sure when it's "ready" to pick. Providing sun is not a problem here.

 

[Daddas1Punkin]

anyone know where you can buy some in ca.?
my g-ma wants some

 

[Cluky]

The stems are edible at any time. Better when red of course Just pick them and either eat them with sugar or cook them and eat them Mine is already like three feet tall!

 

[CorinneP]

The larger the stem it can become tougher but still ok for many uses. you can start using it when it is nice and young and small though .. You will want to cut it or twist it at the base not pull it out though as it will grow back year after year .. Ohhh Strawberry Rhubarb Pie !!! Jelly Rhubarb applesauce .. I am pleased to see my patch is looking healthy this year despite Goats and chickens stomping around it !

 

[Chicky Babe]

If this is the first year it has been planted, do not harvest. My grandmother always said it would not grow back if you do. I usually pair it with any strawberry or apple recipe. My families favorite is strawberry rhubarb crisp!