May 2009
Nice to see the snow finally gone, and Spring
temperatures have arrived. I can finally see
my rhubarb coming along, and such a deep "Canadian" red in color.
This reminds me of a question that was recently asked. If you want your rhubarb
to be red throughout, look for the Cherry Varieties, Crimson Red or Crimson Wine. Some Heirloom varieties of rhubarb remain
green in color if you prefer.
Starting a new garden somewhere for your
rhubarb? Looks like I have to. Hubby has
"plans" apparently, and so I guess I have
to dig it up again.
Try making a raised bed out of used pallets. We have alot of those, and will have some
pieces of old wooden fence to use as well.
This will keep the costs down quite a bit,
and I think the drainage will be so much
better. Rhubarb needs that, and it should
be even more helpful when it comes to pests
and weeds.
Speaking of Pest and Weed Control
Do you experience earwigs eating your
rhubarb? Here's a tip from Texas.
Mix up a jar of molasses, water and vegetable oil. Equal parts, I am assuming, there were no measurements.
Place the mixture on shallow lids and place them around the rhubarb.
This is a tip worth trying. It's natural, no pesticide involved and relatively inexpensive.
Remember to keep out some of the larger leaves from the composter after
picking. Lay them face down around your
plants to keep the weeds down.
Farmers Market Shopping
People are starting to shop now at their
local markets for some rhubarb until their
own is ready.
Choose the reddest stalks possible, and look for the stalks that have no bruising and
look kind of "crispy" as well. Look for rhubarb with leaves that aren't droopy and "flat" in that they still have some stiffness
to them.
These are sure signs of being just recently
picked, and so they are quite fresh.
While shopping, pick up some kumquats, and give this compote a try.
Rhubarb and Kumquat Compote
2 lbs. trimmed rhubarb cut into 4 inch batons
10 sliced kumquats
1 cup white sugar
Combine and bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees
Let cool and serve with creme fraiche
Tip
Rhubarb almost always requires a sweetener.
Toss it with some honey, roast it in the
oven for a few minutes, and then add it to
salads or serve with meat.
Light Spring Salad of Rhubarb with
Goat Cheese
1 3/4 cup chopped rhubarb
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup walnut pieces
2 tblsp. olive oil
2 tblsp. balsamic white vinegar
Coarse salt and pepper
3 cups chopped arugula
thinly sliced fennel bulb
1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
In a 450 degree oven, toss the rhubarb
with honey, and roast on a cookie sheet
for 5 minutes. Let cool.
Roast the walnut pieces for a few minutes
as well. (optional)
In a large bowl, whisk the oil and vinegar, and add salt and pepper.
Combine the rest of the ingredients and toss.
Rhubarb Goes So Well With So Much
Apples, pears, berries, sugar, ginger,
fresh cheeses, almonds, vanilla, hazelnuts, walnuts, yogurt
Meats and Fish - Ham, duck, trout,
salmon, Arctic Char
Kitchen Kettle Village Rhubarb Festival
in Pennsylvania May 15 & 16th
Rhubarb Race Car Derby and Baking Contest
this year will benefit the Lancaster Farmland Trust. This is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving local farmland.
If you are nearby, please attend.
"Bake a Pie, Save A Farm"
A very worthy cause!
Remember, please feel free to contribute your Rhubarb Family
Favorite Recipe if you would like. You can do that at
Best Rhubarb Recipes
Until Next Time, Elizabeth
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