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Don't know what to do with rhubarb? Here's some helpful info to get you started:
Rhubarb Background
Rhubarb is a vegetable with a unique taste that makes it a favorite in many pies and desserts. It originated in Northern Asia over 2,000 years ago. It was initially cultivated for its medicinal qualities, it was not until the 18th century that rhubarb was grown for culinary purposes in Britain and America. Rhubarb is often commonly mistaken to be a fruit but rhubarb is actually a close relative of garden sorrel, and is therefore a member of the vegetable family. Rhubarb is rich in vitamin C.
[Source: rhubarbinfo.com]
Using and Storing Rhubarb
Rhubarb is prized for use in pies, tarts, and sauces. Only the stalks are eaten, although herbal remedies use the leaves and roots. The high levels of oxalic acid and other compounds within the leaves are toxic to humans. The stalks contain lower levels of oxalic acid and, primarily, malic acid.
Before use, discard any leaves and trim the ends. Completely peeling rhubarb is unnecessary. Rhubarb requires sweetening to minimize the extreme tartness. It can be served as a sauce over ice cream, combined with fresh strawberries, or made into pies, tarts, puddings, breads, jam, jellies, and refreshing beverages.
If not used immediately, rhubarb can be stored in the refrigerator. The stalks will keep well there for two to three weeks in sealed plastic bags. You can also freeze it. Just wash, trim and cut into lengths to fit the freezer package, seal and freeze.
[Source: rhubarbinfo.com]
Other Uses for Rubarb
Use Rhubarb to clean your pots and pans. If your pots and pans are burnt, an application of rhubarb over the afflicted area will bring back the shine in next to no time.
This is a fairly strong dye that can create a more golden hair color for persons whose hair is blond or light brown. Simmer 3 tbsp. of rhubarb root in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes, set aside overnight, and strain. Test on a few strands to determine the effect, then pour through the hair for a rinse.
[Source: rhubarbinfo.com]