Freezing Rhubarb

Freezing Rhubarb – Steps on how to freeze rhubarb

If you grow rhubarb then you’ll want to know how to preserve it so you can use it all year long. Freezing it is a great way to preserve it.

What is rhubarb?

Rhubarb is a perennial plant that grows from rhizomes. The stalks of rhubarb are edible and are often red or green. Rhubarb stalks resemble celery in looks but taste entirely different. They have a very sour taste. The leaves contain high levels of oxalic acid and are inedible. 

How do I harvest rhubarb?

I select a few stalks from each rhubarb plant to remove. I never take more than 1/4 of the plant at a time. You want your plant to continue producing and taking too many stalks may cause it to die. 

Use a small knife and cut the stalk near the base of the plant. 

Remove leaves and discard.

How do I prepare rhubarb for freezing?

• Rinse rhubarb

• Remove any loose strings

• Chop into 1/2″ chunks

• Place in a freezer safe bag and place in freezer

How do I use frozen rhubarb?

I use frozen rhubarb in any recipe calling for rhubarb. Many times I will add it frozen and increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes. You can use frozen rhubarb in rhubarb muffins, rhubarb bread, rhubarb sauce and this delicious rhubarb crisp.  It can also be used in a savory BBQ dish from House of Nash Eats. 

Tips for freezing rhubarb

• Always label your freezer bag and add the date. 
• Cut rhubarb to the size you will need for a recipe.
• Freeze in a freezer that does not have an automatic defrost.
• Use rhubarb within one year.
• If rhubarb freezes together, just gently break apart while still in bag.
• Freeze the amount you have on hand. Sometimes I have just a few cups to freeze and other times I may have several dozen cups. 

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Freezing Rhubarb

Prep Time

20 mins

Total Time

20 mins

 

Steps on how to freeze rhubarb

Course: Preserving Food

Cuisine: American

Keyword: freezing rhubarb, rhubarb

Servings: 3 cups

Calories: 16 kcal

Author: Kathy

Ingredients

• 1 pound rhubarb

Instructions

1. Rinse and dry rhubarb stalks

2. Cut into 1/2" pieces

3. Place in a freezer safe bag

4. Freeze

Recipe Notes

• Do not use the leaves of the rhubarb plant. They are toxic.
• Rhubarb can be kept frozen for up to one year.

Nutrition Facts

Freezing Rhubarb

Amount Per Serving (0.5 cup)

Calories 16 Calories from Fat 9

% Daily Value*

Fat 1g2%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Sodium 3mg0%

Potassium 218mg6%

Carbohydrates 3g1%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 75IU2%

Vitamin C 6mg7%

Calcium 65mg7%

Iron 0.2mg1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.