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Although not strictly a fruit (the plant is a member of the buckwheat family), the long, bright crimson stalk of this leafy perennial plant is commonly considered one. The plant originated in Tibet or Mongolia and from the 16th to 18th centuries was used medicinally in Europe and Asia. Rhubarb appeared in North American kitchens during the 1900s. The edible stalk is about an inch (2.5cm) wide, and often more than a foot (about 30cm) long. The leaves of the plant should be discarded.
Although there are 20 varieties of rhubarb available, they are virtually indistinguishable in the marketplace. Rhubarb is sometimes called pieplant, because it is a favorite pie ingredient.
Available from February to June, rhubarb is at its peak during the spring and early summer.
While rhubarb stalks have been eaten raw, they are extremely sour, and so are more often stewed with sugar or honey, or baked into pies, cakes, and muffins. On its own or combined with strawberries, it makes excellent jams and jellies. The leaves of the plant are inedible. Rhubarb can be blended with other fruits in compotes and cobblers, and makes a good substitute for cranberries in many recipes. Spices that compliment rhubarb are lemon, cinnamon, and ginger.
Rhubarb, 1 stalk (raw)
Calories: 11
Protein: 0.046g
Carbohydrate: 2.3g
Total Fat: 0.10g
Fiber: 0.9g
Increasing dietary oxalate, a substance present in rhubarb, can lead to an increase in urinary oxalate excretion. Increased urinary oxalate increases the risk of stone formation. As a result, most doctors agree that kidney stone formers should reduce their intake of oxalate from food as a way to reduce urinary oxalate. Many foods contain oxalate; however, only a few—including rhubarb—appear to significantly increase urinary oxalate levels.
Health benefits and concerns
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Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other fruit.
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The information presented in Foodnotes is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires July 2004.