How to Buy Rhubarb
Recognize the different rhubarb crops., Find plump stalks., Feel the stalk for texture., Examine the stalk color., Look at the stalk’s luster., Check the leaves.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Recognize the different rhubarb crops.
Knowing the seasons and crops of rhubarb can help you buy the most optimal one for your purposes.
The first, or forced, crop grows in pots and is harvested between January and early February.
This rhubarb is more tender and delicately flavored.
The second, or maincrop, crop arrives between late March and early June.
It has a more intense flavor and robust texture than the early crop.In some places, there is a third crop from late July to early August. -
Step 2: Find plump stalks.
Look for rhubarb at your local farmer’s market or grocery store.
Sort through the plants and look for stalks that are plump.
These are often the best stalks of rhubarb for consumption.Some plump stalks may be green, which can indicate that they are older.
These may be less flavorful., Good quality rhubarb stalks are firm to the touch.
They should also be crisp, which you can test by snapping off a small bit.
Getting firm, crisp stalks of rhubarb can help you turn them into a wonderful dish.Keep in mind first crop rhubarb stalks may be more tender in texture than second crop ones. , Rhubarb can range in color from green to a deep red.
Opt for redder stalks of rhubarb.
These are younger, more tender, and sweeter.
They may also taste better.
Some stalks may have a slight green-ish tinge to them, which is normal.
Buy these if there aren’t any perfectly, deep red stalks available., One final trait that can signal the quality of a rhubarb stalk is the luster.
Check for shinier plants, which can indicate that they are young, fresh and delicious., Many stores and markets will remove rhubarb leaves because you can’t eat them.
If the leaves are still attached, they can also help you pick out the best rhubarb.
Find leaves that are a brighter green color.
They should also be perky and not wilted.
This can help tell if the stalks are older or haven’t received proper care.Rhubarb plants leaves are poisonous when consumed in large quantities. -
Step 3: Feel the stalk for texture.
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Step 4: Examine the stalk color.
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Step 5: Look at the stalk’s luster.
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Step 6: Check the leaves.
Detailed Guide
Knowing the seasons and crops of rhubarb can help you buy the most optimal one for your purposes.
The first, or forced, crop grows in pots and is harvested between January and early February.
This rhubarb is more tender and delicately flavored.
The second, or maincrop, crop arrives between late March and early June.
It has a more intense flavor and robust texture than the early crop.In some places, there is a third crop from late July to early August.
Look for rhubarb at your local farmer’s market or grocery store.
Sort through the plants and look for stalks that are plump.
These are often the best stalks of rhubarb for consumption.Some plump stalks may be green, which can indicate that they are older.
These may be less flavorful., Good quality rhubarb stalks are firm to the touch.
They should also be crisp, which you can test by snapping off a small bit.
Getting firm, crisp stalks of rhubarb can help you turn them into a wonderful dish.Keep in mind first crop rhubarb stalks may be more tender in texture than second crop ones. , Rhubarb can range in color from green to a deep red.
Opt for redder stalks of rhubarb.
These are younger, more tender, and sweeter.
They may also taste better.
Some stalks may have a slight green-ish tinge to them, which is normal.
Buy these if there aren’t any perfectly, deep red stalks available., One final trait that can signal the quality of a rhubarb stalk is the luster.
Check for shinier plants, which can indicate that they are young, fresh and delicious., Many stores and markets will remove rhubarb leaves because you can’t eat them.
If the leaves are still attached, they can also help you pick out the best rhubarb.
Find leaves that are a brighter green color.
They should also be perky and not wilted.
This can help tell if the stalks are older or haven’t received proper care.Rhubarb plants leaves are poisonous when consumed in large quantities.
About the Author
Judith Rogers
Specializes in breaking down complex cooking topics into simple steps.
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