In the pursuit of culinary creativity, rhubarb emerges as a versatile ingredient, acclaimed for its vivid tartness and often underutilized potential in food pairing.
Your exploration of rhubarb in the kitchen promises an exciting venture into flavor matching.
With its vibrant tang and subtle sweetness when cooked, rhubarb can complement a variety of dishes.
You might find rhubarb’s acidity cuts through the richness of meats, while its distinctive flavor profile can be skillfully balanced with the right spices or sweet elements.
Rhubarb’s affinity for aromatic spices like ginger and cinnamon can introduce warmth to savory plates or refreshingly offset the spice in a dish.
As you incorporate rhubarb into your recipes, consider it as more than a partner to its classic counterpart, strawberries.
Rhubarb’s ability to pair with an array of ingredients from the citrusy notes of cardamom in desserts to the earthiness of cumin in savory applications reaffirms its multifaceted role in both traditional and innovative cuisine.
The Basics of Rhubarb
Rhubarb, a vegetable known for its tart flavor, distinctively features in savory and sweet recipes.
Its versatility in the kitchen begins with an understanding of its unique attributes and seasonal availability.
Understanding Rhubarb
You might recognize rhubarb as the vibrant, celery-like stalks often found in pies and desserts. Though its large leaves are toxic and should never be consumed, the stalks of rhubarb are celebrated for their tart, fruity flavor.
Rhubarb is technically a vegetable, despite it commonly being paired with sweet ingredients and used in fruit desserts.
When harvesting rhubarb, only the stalks are edible, and they require proper preparation to diminish their inherent tartness. Most commonly, this involves cooking rhubarb with sugar or pairing it with sweeter fruits such as strawberries to create a well-balanced flavor profile.
Varieties and Seasonality
Rhubarb varieties range in color from deep red to pale green, with the color intensity often (but not always) correlating to flavor strength.
Spring is the prime season for rhubarb, and the harvest can continue into the summer.
You’ll find that spring-harvested rhubarb typically has a more tender texture and a subtler taste.
Timing is crucial when harvesting rhubarb; it’s best done when the stalks are 12 to 18 inches long and before the plant bolts and flowers, which can affect the stalk’s flavor and texture.
Remember: Always avoid the leaves, focus on color and texture when selecting stalks, and opt for springtime to ensure you’re working with the best rhubarb for your culinary endeavors.
Rhubarb Pairings and Combinations
Rhubarb’s tartness complements a range of flavors, establishing it as a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes, as well as refreshing beverages.
Rhubarb and Sweet Pairings
Your rhubarb desserts can reach new heights by incorporating fruits that offer a counterbalance of sweetness.
Strawberries are the classic choice, creating a beloved combination due to their natural sweetness that softens rhubarb’s sharpness. A rhubarb and strawberry pie is not only traditional but showcases the perfect melding of these components.
Apples: Another fruit to consider is the apple, which provides a subtle sweetness and a firm texture that pairs well with the softness of stewed rhubarb.
Raspberries and Orange: For a citrusy lift, adding raspberries or orange segments can introduce a pleasant zing.
Vanilla and Almonds: Enhance your rhubarb dishes with vanilla or almond extract to elevate the aroma and infuse a mild, nutty essence.
In terms of sweet spices, a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom could round out the flavors.
Additionally, you might sweeten your rhubarb preparations with sugar or honey to adjust the tart profile to your liking.
Rhubarb and Savory Pairings
When you bring rhubarb into savory dishes, you unlock a new dimension of flavor. Its acidity can brighten up meat-based dishes and sauces. Consider these pairing suggestions:
Ginger and Cumin: These spices offer an aromatic quality and earthy warmth that balances rhubarb’s sharpness in savory dishes.
Pistachios and Almonds: Crushed nuts such as pistachios and almonds add texture and a nutty taste that works well with rhubarb in savory contexts.
Bear in mind that rhubarb’s tartness means a little goes a long way, so introduce it sparingly and adjust according to your palate.
Rhubarb in Drinks
Rhubarb can also be a refreshing ingredient in beverages, imparting a tangy and unique twist.
Cocktails: Try rhubarb in a cocktail, where its tartness can be tempered with sweeter liquids or spirits.
Non-Alcoholic Options: For a non-alcoholic treat, mix it with sparkling water and a touch of lime juice for a sprightly soda.
Culinary Applications of Rhubarb
Rhubarb, a plant known for its tartness, is a versatile ingredient that you can incorporate into an array of dishes. From classic desserts to savory meals, its bright acidity provides a balance to both sweet and rich flavors.
Classic Rhubarb Desserts
Rhubarb pie is an iconic dessert where the vegetable’s tartness pairs well with a sweet and buttery crust.
Rhubarb crumble and crisp offer textures that complement the softness of the stewed plant. A rhubarb custard or sorbet can be creamy or refreshing, incorporating the stalk’s unique flavor.
For a comforting finish, a dollop of cream or a drizzle of caramel enhances the dessert’s richness.
Rhubarb Pie: Balance tart rhubarb with a sweet filling.
Rhubarb Crumble: Combine rhubarb with brown sugar and a crunchy topping.
Rhubarb Sorbet: Mix pureed rhubarb with simple syrup for a refreshing dessert.
Rhubarb in Savory Dishes
In savory dishes, rhubarb’s acidity cuts through the richness of meats like duck and pork.
It can be used in a glaze or as part of a pie filling for a savory pie.
Create a compelling contrast by pairing it with creamy cheeses or using it in a tart citrus-based sauce. Rhubarb can also bring a refreshing twist to salads when used in a vinaigrette.
Glazed Duck/Pork: Use rhubarb in a glaze to complement rich meats.
Cheese Pairings: Offset creamy cheeses with rhubarb’s sharp flavor.
Savory Pie Filling: Include rhubarb in savory pies for an unexpected flavor variation.
Innovative Rhubarb Creations
Push the boundaries of traditional recipes by incorporating rhubarb into cakes or muffins.
Rhubarb syrup or butter can be innovative toppings on yogurt or custards, adding a touch of tartness.
The stalk can also be cooked down with sugar and citrus to produce a tangy jam that brightens up the flavor of various dishes.
Cakes/Muffins: Add diced rhubarb for a tart surprise in every bite.
Rhubarb Butter/Syrup: A sweet and tart topping for yogurt or other neutral bases.
Rhubarb-Citrus Jam: Combine with citrus fruits for a zesty spread.
Rhubarb Food Science and Cooking Techniques
Rhubarb’s unique tartness and texture make it a versatile ingredient. Mastering how you manipulate acidity and apply heat can elevate your dishes.
The Role of Acidity
Rhubarb is celebrated for its natural acidity, which comes from the presence of malic and oxalic acid.
This acidity can provide a counterbalance to sweet or fatty elements in your dishes.
When adding rhubarb to recipes, you have the power to intensify or mellow its tartness.
Combining rhubarb with sweeteners such as sugar or honey can temper its sharp taste, creating a more palatable balance.
A simple starting point:
Strawberry and rhubarb pie: The sweetness of strawberries complements the acidity of rhubarb perfectly.
Remember, the acidity of rhubarb can also serve as a catalyst in tenderizing meats, similar to how you might use citrus or vinegar in marinades.
Cooking Rhubarb to Perfection
When applying heat to rhubarb, you’re involved in a delicate process that can change its texture from crisp to tender.
Gentle cooking avoids turning rhubarb into mush, retaining some structure for a more satisfying mouthfeel.
Here’s a quick guide:
Roasting or Baking: These methods convert rhubarb’s tartness into a caramelized sweetness, balancing its innate tang with a richer flavor profile.
Roasting at medium heat with a little added sugar can create a pleasant char and intensify the flavor.
Stewing: Involves cooking rhubarb in water and a sweetener until it breaks down into a compote-like consistency.
This method is excellent for creating sauces or fillings, where a softer texture is desired.
When you cook rhubarb, remember it’s all about the balance:
Avoid high heat as it can quickly degrade rhubarb’s texture.
Sugar, while reducing tartness, can also help to preserve the structural integrity of the rhubarb during the cooking process.
Keep in mind that rhubarb’s water content will reduce as it cooks, so adding a small amount of water can prevent it from becoming too dry.
By carefully managing these elements, you can achieve the ideal texture and flavor for your rhubarb preparations.
Pairing Rhubarb With Spirits and Liqueurs
Rhubarb’s distinctive tartness and subtle sweetness make it a versatile partner for various spirits and liqueurs. Here’s how to infuse alcohol with its unique flavor and craft rhubarb-based cocktails.
Infusing Alcohol With Rhubarb
To infuse spirits with rhubarb, you’ll typically need fresh rhubarb stalks, your choice of spirit, and some additional sweeteners or spices to enhance the flavor.
Rhubarb pairs well with a variety of spirits, but rum and vodka are excellent choices due to their neutral profiles that allow the rhubarb’s flavor to shine.
Simple Rhubarb Infusion
Ingredients:
1 cup chopped rhubarb
2 cups rum or vodka
1/4 cup sugar or maple syrup
Directions:
Combine chopped rhubarb and sugar in a jar.
Pour spirits over the mixture and seal tightly.
Store in a cool, dark place, shaking daily for 1-2 weeks.
Strain out the solids with a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Citrus-Enhanced Infusion
Additional Ingredients:
Peel of 1 lemon, lime, or orange (avoiding the bitter white pith)
Directions:
Follow the simple infusion directions.
Add the citrus peel to the jar before sealing.
Aromatic Rhubarb Infusion
Additional Ingredients:
A few sprigs of mint or a cinnamon stick
Directions:
Follow the simple infusion directions.
Add mint or cinnamon stick to the jar before sealing.
Rhubarb-Based Cocktails
Utilizing your rhubarb-infused spirits, you can create cocktails that enhance the fruit’s complex profile. Here are two recipes that celebrate rhubarb in a cocktail setting:
Rhubarb Mojito
Ingredients:
2 oz rhubarb-infused rum
1 oz lime juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
6-8 mint leaves
Sparkling water
Directions:
Muddle the mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup in a shaker.
Add rhubarb-infused rum and ice, then shake well.
Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice and top with sparkling water.
Combine rhubarb-infused vodka, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, orange liqueur, and maple syrup in a shaker with ice.
Shake until well-chilled and strain into an ice-filled highball glass.
Top with a splash of club soda and stir gently.
Garnish with a twist of citrus peel.
Complementary Herbs and Spices for Rhubarb
Adding the right herbs and spices can turn your rhubarb dish from simple to sublime. These enhancements underscore rhubarb’s unique tart flavor and can be tailored to create both sweet and savory culinary creations.
Sweet Spices
Cinnamon: The warm, woody notes of cinnamon complement the tartness of rhubarb, especially in pies and crumbles.
Ginger: Fresh or powdered, ginger gives a spicy kick that pairs well with the sour profile of rhubarb in sauces and jams.
Cardamom: This sweet, aromatic spice adds a complex, citrusy undertone to rhubarb desserts.
Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg brings subtle warmth and sweetness, enhancing the natural flavors of rhubarb in baked goods.
Herbs That Enhance Rhubarb
Lavender: Use lavender sparingly to infuse rhubarb dishes with a floral note that doesn’t overpower but complements.
Sugar: It’s not an herb, but incorporating sugar is essential for balancing rhubarb’s astringency, especially in desserts. The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on your preference for sweetness.
Choosing Accompaniments for Rhubarb Dishes
When incorporating rhubarb into your dishes, the key is to balance its tartness by selecting complementary flavors that enrich and enhance the overall taste experience.
Dairy and Nuts
To offset the sharpness of rhubarb, dairy products can provide a smooth, creamy contrast. Consider these pairings:
Cream: A dollop of light whipped cream can soften rhubarb’s acidic edge, especially in desserts.
Custard: Vanilla-flavored custard pairs well with rhubarb due to its creamy texture and subtle sweetness.
Yogurt: Greek yogurt, with its tangy taste, can complement rhubarb in both sweet and savory dishes.
Cheese: Mild, creamy cheeses like ricotta or mascarpone can be a delightful counterpoint to rhubarb’s tartness.
Incorporate nuts for added texture and flavor:
Pecans: Toasted pecans offer a rich, buttery crunch that works well in rhubarb crumbles or pies.
Almonds: Sliced almonds provide a subtle nutty taste and are excellent in rhubarb tarts.
Pistachios: Chopped pistachios can add a pop of color and a complementary earthy flavor to rhubarb salads.
Fruits and Berries
Fruits and berries can be combined with rhubarb to create a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy:
Apple: Sliced apples add a hint of sweetness that can temper the acidity of rhubarb in compotes and jams.
Raspberry: Fresh or frozen raspberries can enhance the zesty profile of rhubarb with their natural sweetness.
Lime: The zest and juice of a lime can brighten rhubarb dishes and offer a refreshing citrus note.
Mango: Diced mango brings a tropical sweetness that pairs well with rhubarb in chutneys or salsas.
Meats and Proteins
Pair rhubarb with meats to introduce a unique, tangy dimension to savory dishes:
Pork: Rhubarb sauce or chutney pairs exceptionally well with pork, complementing its rich flavor.
Duck: The gamey taste of duck benefits from a side of rhubarb that can be glazed or served as a compote.
Calories: 25
Fat: 0.2 grams
Sodium: 5 milligrams
Carbohydrates: 5 grams
Dietary Fiber: 2 grams
Protein: 1 gram
Vitamin K1: 26-37% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin C: Acts as an antioxidant and supports immune function
Manganese: Assists in bone formation and nutrient metabolism
Dishes: Rhubarb crumble, pork stew with rhubarb
Preparations: Stewed, baked, as marmalade
Sauces: Rhubarb-based sauces are paired with meats
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
