Instructions
- Trim the rhubarb stalks. Remove and discard the leaves.
- Slice the rhubarb into ½-inch thick pieces. Spread the pieces out in a single layer on a baking sheet or freezer-safe tray.
- Transfer the frozen pieces to a freezer bag or container, seal tightly, and label. Store in the freezer for up to a year.
What is the best way to freeze rhubarb?
Freezing raw rhubarb
For loose pieces of rhubarb, spread the pieces in a single layer on lined trays and open freeze them. Once frozen, tip the pieces into containers or bags. Otherwise, if you are not worried about them sticking together, freeze them straight into the container or bags. Use within three months.
Is it better to freeze rhubarb raw or cooked?
You can freeze fresh rhubarb raw, so there’s no need to blanch it first. And you can put it directly into recipes straight from the freezer too!
Should rhubarb be washed before freezing?
If your rhubarb is fresh from the garden, remove the leaves (and keep them away from children as they are poisonous!). Trim the ends and rinse your rhubarb down with cold water, removing all traces of dirt. Dry it gently with a towel, then chop into 1 inch pieces.
Is rhubarb good frozen?
Rhubarb is one of the best things to freeze because you can use frozen rhubarb just as you would fresh. Because of the blanching step, the color of recipes made with frozen rhubarb will match the rosy color of the fresh leafstalks—and the tangy flavor will be just as terrific.
Should frozen rhubarb be thawed before baking?
You may need to add a few minutes to the cooking or baking time, depending on the recipe, but should not need to make any other changes. Should I thaw frozen rhubarb before baking? Nope, you don’t have to!
How long will fresh rhubarb last in freezer?
one year
Rhubarb can be frozen for up to one year — just in time for the next rhubarb season to roll around!
What happens to rhubarb if it freezes?
Rhubarb damaged by freezing temperatures will have black, shriveled leaves and soft, limp leaf stalks. It’s safe to harvest rhubarb if the plants show no signs of damage 2 or 3 days after the freeze event. Damaged rhubarb stalks (blackened foliage and limp stalks) should be pulled and discarded.
What happens when rhubarb freezes?
If your patch of rhubarb freezes, the fleshy part of the plant will freeze. After a day or two, the frozen leaves and stems will become soft and blackened. This is a result of the damage that freezing and thawing cause to the plant.
How do you store uncooked rhubarb?
The key is to wrap the stalks snugly enough to prevent the rhubarb from drying out—but not airtight (no need to tightly crimp) so ethylene can escape. Stored this way, our rhubarb maintained its juicy, ruby perfection for longer than two weeks.
What do you do with rhubarb before winter?
To prepare your plant for winter, after the first hard frost, cut back any remaining stalks and dress with a light 2 inch layer of compost, leaves, or hay to protect the roots through the winter.
When should you not eat rhubarb?
The general rule of thumb is to not eat rhubarb from July on. This is for three reasons: 1. Allowing the plant to grow for the rest of the summer will give it the sugars and nutrients needed to get it through the winter and allow it to produce well the next year.
Should frozen rhubarb be drained?
I’d recommend thawing your rhubarb and draining off 2/3 to 3/4 of the juice. Place the frozen rhubarb in a sieve over a bowl and let it defrost. Note that I have only made this recipe with fresh rhubarb. If you’re cooking your rhubarb for stewed rhubarb or a rhubarb sauce, using frozen rhubarb will work fine.
Why should you not eat raw rhubarb?
What Part of the Rhubarb Can You Eat? Stick to the stems if you’re eating rhubarb raw—the leaves are poisonous. I repeat: Rhubarb leaves are poisonous. The leaves contain oxalic acid, which can be fatal to both people and pets if consumed in large amounts.
How do you store rhubarb long term?
Blanch the rhubarb.
After air-drying the pieces on a baking sheet, kitchen towel, or paper towel, pack the pieces in a single layer in the freezer bag or container and place them in the freezer. Frozen rhubarb will maintain freshness for several months.
What can I do with a lot of rhubarb?
Eight new ways with rhubarb
- Jellied rhubarb & vanilla soup.
- Rhubarb curd.
- Rhubarb & strawberry vodka.
- Rhubarb & orange slump.
- Lightly smoked salmon with orange & rhubarb salad.
- Rhubarb & date chutney.
- Rhubarb & custard cocktail.
- Pork with black pudding & roasted rhubarb.
Does stewed rhubarb freeze well?
The answer is: absolutely! Freezing stewed rhubarb is very easy. Once the sauce has completely cooled down, transfer it into a freezer-friendly container or freezing bag. You can also freeze it in small portions using an ice tray for example.
Can you cook rhubarb frozen?
If using frozen rhubarb, you can cook it from frozen, but if some of the slices are very large, you may need to leave to soften for about 15 minutes before cutting in half. Cook as above, but reduce the cooking time to 4–5 minutes.
Why is rhubarb good for you?
Rhubarb is rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins (which give it its red color) and proanthocyanidins. These antioxidants have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, which help protect you from many health-related issues such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Is soft rhubarb still good?
Texture. Fresh rhubarb is firm. If yours is soft or limp and doesn’t quite hold its shape when you hold it by one of the ends, discard it.
Why are my rhubarb stalks soft?
Growing rhubarb: problem solving
Crown rot is the most common. It’s a fungal infection at the base of the stalks, and causes the crowns to turn brown and soft.