Rhubarb is high in vitamin K and a source of both vitamin C and calcium

Rhubarb

The BC rhubarb season starts early in the year as the roots remain in the ground over the winter and are ready to sprout once the soil is warmed by the spring weather.

Rhubarb

While rhubarbs seems to be synonymous with fruit pies, it is technically a vegetable. A Canadian favourite is strawberry-rhubarb pie although it can be enjoyed in many ways.

Select: Firm, crisp looking stalks – they can be mostly green or deep red, this is not a sign of ripeness.

Remove leaves when preparing, they are inedible and toxic.

Local BCfresh Rhubarb is available April through September.

Classic dishes are a combination of strawberry and rhubarb – tarts, pies, crips and other pastries.
Stewed rhubarb can be served on ice cream or can be used as a chutney with sliced turkey and sharp cheddar cheese.

Cover and refrigerate unwashed rhubarb. For longer storage, blanche and freeze for up to 1 year.

Recipes for Rhubarb

Rhubarb Vanilla Compote

A sweet-tart blend of fresh rhubarb simmered with sugar and a touch of vanilla, perfect for topping yogurt, pancakes, or desserts.

No-Bake Rhubarb Mascarpone Tart

I love a no-bake recipe as it makes life just that little bit easier in the kitchen. The crust takes a departure from baking it to simply chilling it. Give this a go – BCfresh rhubarb, luscious mascarpone cheese, and comes together in no time at all.

Rhubarb Strawberry Pie

Rhubarb Strawberry Pie 1 cup white sugar1/2 cup all-purpose flour454 g 1 lb fresh rhubarb, washed...

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How it’s Grown

Rhubarb is the first BCfresh fresh crop of the season and a true sign that spring has arrived. As a perennial that thrives in the BC climate, it returns each year from the same root system rather than being replanted like all other BCfresh crops. In early spring, stalks emerge and grow quickly. Large leaves capture sunlight and feed the plant, producing tender, flavourful stalks typically ready in April.

When the stalks reach ideal size and colour, they are carefully harvested by hand. The leaves are removed, and the crisp stalks are trimmed, washed, and rapidly cooled to lock in freshness throughout the harvest season.