Despite its vibrant green and red stalks, rhubarb might be one of the most overlooked plants in the garden.
An acquired taste, it looks like celery and has a tart tang, yet is used in many dessert recipes, from compote to pie. As with cranberries, rhubarb needs quite a bit of sweetness to appeal to the palate. It’s often paired with strawberries to cut down on the amount of sugar needed.
Why should it be on your menu? Rhubarb is an excellent source of vitamin C, lutein and calcium. It’s also very low in calories with just 11 calories per stalk. So if you’ve never had it before, it’s time to give it a try.
You’re likely to find rhubarb at farmers’ markets as well as in the produce section of your favorite store. When shopping for rhubarb, look for brightly colored, firm and straight stalks. Important: Only the