Thanks to Melissa’s Produce for supplying the rhubarb!
What exactly is rhubarb? Is it a fruit, or vegetable?
After careful research, I learned that it’s technically a vegetable, but considered a fruit. It looks like a red celery stalk, and can be eaten raw. What does it taste like? I think the best taste comparison is to a really, tart green apple. For me, it’s intense to eat raw, but I did want to experiment with this fruit. I decided to make a simple syrup, so I could break down the crisp, sour flavor.
Melisssa’s Produce supplied a bounty of rhubarb to me. The large leaves are poisonous and inedible. Thankfully, my stalks arrived leafless. What is simple syrup? A mixture of sugar and water which is brought to a boil.
I used about 5 rhubarb stalks. With one cup of sugar and one cup of water (equal amounts of water and sugar) and rhubarb to the pan. Cut up the small pieces of rhubarb into a deep saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer until the rhubarb softens. I simmered for about 15 minutes. I actually added frozen strawberries to the mix. Drain the rhubarb mix in a strainer (it’s really mushy). Return the infused water to the saucespan and add your sugar. Bring to a boil and to make sure you fully dissolve the sugar.
Success!!
The syrup tamed down the tart flavor and I added the strawberry for my daughter because she was really overwhelmed with the raw flavor.
I refrigerated the syrup and used it on top of ice cream, and I even used it as a filling for pop tart. The syrup isn’t super thick but it did give my pop tarts a nice flavor. This syrup would also be perfect in cocktails, lemonade or a topping on crepes or pancakes!
Ingredients
4 cups of cut pieces of rhubarb
1/2 cup of frozen strawberries
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
The simple syrup should be equal parts water and equal parts sugar but you can vary the amounts to your liking.
Check out theses other delicious rhubarb recipes!
It’s Rhubarb Season
Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars
Easy Rhubarb Recipes: Two Quick Delicious Uses
1 comment
Rhubarb is my favorite vegetable