victoria rhubarb recipes

What is Victoria rhubarb?

Ranking high on this list is 'Victoria' rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum). This variety has established the gold standard by which to judge good rhubarb: large, fat stems, bright red skin, lack of stringiness, and a tart, apple-gooseberry flavor with a hint of lemon or grapefruit (depending on your soil).

Is Victoria Rhubarb Red or Green?

Rhubarb is divided into two groups, one with red stalks and one with green. Victoria is among the most popular green-stalked varieties. But don't be surprised to see red blush in the base of the stalks of the rhubarb Victoria variety as well.

What should I do with my rhubarb?

Rhubarb can roasted, sauteed, stewed, or pureed. Stewing rhubarb is one of the easiest and most common ways to cook it, as well as one of the most versatile ways to serve it. Pour stewed rhubarb over ice cream, drizzle it onto pancakes, or even incorporate it into cocktails.

What is the best tasting rhubarb?

13 of the Best Rhubarb Cultivars

Cherry Red. With its bright red stalks, the hybrid variety 'Cherry Red' (R. ...
Chipman's Canada Red. Also known as Canadian Red, 'Chipman's Canada Red' is another ruby-colored cultivar. ...
Crimson Red. ...
German Wine. ...
Glaskin's Perpetual. ...
Hardy Tarty. ...
Holstein's Bloodred. ...
KangaRhu.

When can you not eat rhubarb?

Rhubarb stalks are best if harvested in spring and early summer, but they do not become toxic or poisonous in late summer. They can be eaten all summer long. There are two good reasons not to eat them in summer. They tend to get woody in late summer and don't taste as good.

Where is the best place to plant rhubarb?

Rhubarb needs an open, sunny site with moist, but free-draining soil, as it dislikes being waterlogged in winter. Avoid planting in sites that are particularly prone to late frosts, as the young stems may be damaged. Rhubarb can be grown from seed, but it's more common to plant dormant crowns between autumn and spring.

Is it OK to cook green rhubarb?

So yes, green rhubarb is safe to eat, with the same caveats as apply to any rhubarb. ... In On Food and Cooking (2004 edition), Harold McGee indicates that rhubarb tends to be about 1.5-2.0% acid by weight (mostly oxalic acid), which makes it quite tart.

Is red rhubarb sweeter than green?

Believe it or not, there's no significant flavor difference between red and green rhubarb. Instead, rhubarb's color actually indicates the variety. ... When it comes to choosing between different color stalks, think more about how the rhubarb will be used, rather than how sweet you want it to be.

Can you eat raw rhubarb?

Botanically, rhubarb is a vegetable (it's related to sorrel and dock) but its thick, fleshy stalks are treated as a fruit, despite their tart flavour. ... Although it can be eaten raw, rhubarb tends to be too tart this way, and it's usually best when cooked with plenty of sugar.

Should rhubarb be cut or pulled?

Technically, pulling is preferred because it allows the plant to recover a little more quickly, but cutting won't kill the plant, it'll just take longer to bounce back. Leave at least 1/3 of the stalks on the plant in spring time to ensure it continues to grow and thrive throughout the summer.

What does rhubarb pair well with?

Rhubarb Goes Well With

Apples, butter, caramel, cinnamon, ice cream, cream, custard, ginger, honey, lemon, orange, mint, raspberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, sugar, vanilla, pastry and pork.

Is rhubarb poisonous to dogs?

Rhubarb is toxic to dogs and cats. The leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and irritation of the mouth (increased salivation or drooling, pawing at mouth).

What should not be planted near Rhubarb?

For example, rhubarb, sunflowers, and thistles are all susceptible to curculios, a weevil that bores into cylindrical stalks to lay its eggs, and should not be planted near one another.

Should you let Rhubarb flower?

It's a good idea to remove any flower stems when they appear, to direct energy back into stem production. To harvest rhubarb, take the entire stem, gently twisting and then pulling it upwards from the base. More on growing rhubarb: How to force rhubarb.

Is rhubarb poisonous?

Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid, which is toxic to humans, but that acid is generally not found in the stalks, which is why those are safe to eat. ... “When consumed, oxalic acid can crystallize in the kidneys and cause permanent damage to the organs.”

Are coffee grounds good for rhubarb?

Coffee grounds are highly acidic, they note, so they should be reserved for acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries. ... Fertilizing Rhubarb The year after planting, it's a good idea to fertilize your rhubarb plants in early spring, before the plant begins to sprout significantly.

Can you freeze rhubarb raw?

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.

Do deer eat rhubarb plants?

Deer Resistant Vegetables and Herbs

Certain plants, such as rhubarb, are toxic to deer. Deer usually also avoid root vegetables (which require digging) and prickly vegetables such as cucumbers and squashes with hairy leaves. Cultivars with strong odors such as onions, garlic and fennel are not palatable to deer.

Does rhubarb need sun or shade?

Once established, there's little work required. A happy plant will produce for decades. Grow rhubarb in full sun, in rich, lightly moist soil. In hot regions (USDA hardiness zone 6 and higher), plant rhubarb where it will get some protection from hot afternoon sun.

Does rhubarb spread in the garden?

While seeds can be planted, rhubarb plants are most often propagated by separating the roots, or crowns. ... Space Rhubarb roots two to three feet apart. They will spread. Rhubarb tolerates a little crowding, but the stalks and leaves will grow bigger and healthier if you allow them plenty of space.

How do you winterize rhubarb?

Just keep any mulch away from the crown of the plant, which can encourage rot. 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.