Rhubarb ( Rheum rhabarbarum) is a vegetable that’s usually prepared and eaten like a fruit, turned into pies, jams, jellies, and more. Rhubarb can also be used to make alcoholic drinks, such as fruit wines or Finnish Rhubarb sima (mead). Consequently, is a cucumber a fruit or a vegetable? "[23], The advocate of organic gardening Lawrence D. Hills listed his favourite rhubarb varieties for flavour as ‘Hawke's Champagne’, ‘Victoria’, ‘Timperley Early’, and ‘Early Albert’, also recommending ‘Gaskin's Perpetual’ for having the lowest level of oxalic acid, allowing it to be harvested over a much longer period of the growing season without developing excessive sourness. [4], Although rhubarb is a vegetable, it is often put to the same culinary uses as fruits. Rhubarb (Rheum officinale Baillon) is a very undemanding perennial vegetable. The part of the rhubarb that you eat is just the stalk that supports the leaves ( which are toxic). In former days, a common and affordable sweet for children in parts of the United Kingdom and Sweden was a tender stick of rhubarb, dipped in sugar. III. In 1947, a … The merchant explorer Marco Polo therefore searched for the place where the plant was grown and harvested, discovering that it was cultivated in the mountains of Tangut province. I can’t be the only one, can I? it is a stalk, and therefore the form is a vegetable, but we use it like a fruit. Rhubarb is usually considered a vegetable as the plant produces external seeds, For culinary purposes it is used as a fruit. It is also used to make Kompot. The season is short, and time should not be wasted on debates. [30] The Greek physician Dioscorides used the Greek word ῥᾶ (rha), whereas Galen later used ῥῆον (rhēon), Latin rheum. Wrongly, Rhubarb is often counted among the fruit species. Thus the remaining stems can take in the energy of the plant. Rhubarb grown in hothouses (heated greenhouses) is called "hothouse rhubarb", and is typically made available at consumer markets in early spring, before outdoor cultivated rhubarb is available. Here’s where things get confusing: Contrary to popular belief, rhubarb is technically a vegetable. The LD50 (median lethal dose) for pure oxalic acid in rats is about 375 mg/kg body weight,[42] or about 25 grams for a 65-kilogram (143 lb) human. After the rhubarb leaves die down in the fall, simply cover the rhubarb crown with straw or compost. [36], The rhizomes contain stilbenoid compounds (including rhaponticin), and the flavanol glucosides (+)-catechin-5-O-glucoside and (−)-catechin-7-O-glucoside.[38]. The stalks have recently gained popularity in juicing recipes because of their sour, but refreshing taste which balances the bitterness in leafy greens commonly employed in vegetable juicing recipes. They readily hybridize, and culinary rhubarb was developed by selecting open-pollinated seed, so that its precise origin is almost impossible to determine. This is due to its sour, fruity … [17] Certain species came to be grown in England to produce the roots. Its extremely tart stalks are the only edible part of the plant; the leaves contain poisonous oxalic acid, and are always snipped off and discarded. [3] In appearance, samples of culinary rhubarb vary on a continuum between R. rhaponticum and R. rhabarbarum. Rhubarb has a very interesting look and history. Thought to be a native of Tibet, rhubarb is the leaf stalk (or petiole) of a perennial plant. [31] The specific epithet rhaponticum, applying to one of the presumed parents of the cultivated plant, means 'rha from the region of the Black Sea'. Rhubarb is considered a fruit because it is usually eaten as a dessert, but it is actually a vegetable. In the northwestern US states of Oregon and Washington, there are typically two harvests, from late April to May and from late June into July;[10] half of all US production is in Pierce County, Washington. The perennial plant cannot be replanted in its early years. The rest period after harvesting is important to ensure a rich harvest the following year. The color is not an indication of ripeness or sweetness, like it is with other fruits. [47], In the petioles (leaf stalks), the proportion of oxalic acid is about 10% of the total 2–2.5% acidity, which derives mainly from malic acid. Legally, though, it’s a fruit. Species of herbaceous perennial plant with fleshy, sour edible stalks, Lawrence D Hills. 10 Rhubarb Bars to Make ASAP allrecipes.com - Corey Williams. [8] Serious cases of rhubarb poisoning are not well documented. Rhubarb, for example, is often included in sweet dessert-style recipes even though it’s a vegetable. Oddly enough, rhubarb is most often used as a fruit rather than a vegetable. When harvesting time has come, take a sharp knife and cut off the stems at ground level. As Hank explains, the definition of a true vegetable is anything that is the root, stem or leaf of a plant. Aug 4, 2020 - Rhubarb technically is a vegetable. It is a hearty vegetable that thrives in cooler climates and originally came by way of China, Russia and Mongolia where it was first used as a medicinal herb to treat a variety of illnesses. The vegetable can be harvested in the second year from April to June. [48] Both fatal and non-fatal cases of rhubarb poisoning may be caused not by oxalates, but rather by toxic anthraquinone glycosides. In fact, it’s easily mistaken for a fruit. The origin of the large leaved vegetable is Asia. This will be my board for posting my tried and true recipes. Legally, though, it’s a fruit. In the United States the common usage of rhubarb in pies has led to it being nicknamed ‘pie plant’, by which it is referred to in many 19th century US cookbooks. This is due to its sour, fruity … The colour results from the presence of anthocyanins, and varies according to both rhubarb variety and production technique. It is native to Siberia and spread through Europe and North America. In the United States it's considered a fruit because we use it more like one and the tariffs are lower for fruit than vegetables. The identity of rhubarb has vexed gardeners and chefs for years, so much so in fact, that a in 1947 a US court ruled it was a fruit. Hothouse rhubarb is usually brighter red, tenderer and sweeter-tasting than outdoor rhubarb. Historically, different plants have been called "rhubarb" in English. Rhubarb is actually a vegetable, but is often used in food as a fruit. Rhubarb is a host, damage being visible mainly on the leaves and stalks, with gummosis, and oval or circular feeding and/or egg-laying sites.[50]. Rhubarb should not be harvest until its second year. The gorgeous vegetable (rhubarb is … [33] Rhubarb in the US is also often paired with strawberries to make strawberry-rhubarb pie, though some rhubarb purists jokingly consider this "a rather unhappy marriage".[33]. It's considered a vegetable here as the edible stalks of the rhubarb plant grow from a sturdy rhizone (underground stem), and the best stalks are long, thin, vibrant pink and tender, and are the result of being force-grown in artifical darkness. [31], Rhubarb is grown primarily for its fleshy leafstalks, technically known as petioles. The actual fruit is just a vehicle for the seeds that use the nutrition in it to grow. The resulting compote, sometimes thickened with corn starch, can then be used in pies, tarts and crumbles. Try one of these absolutely irresistible rhubarb bar recipes. However, the site should be well considered. It was several times the price of other valuable herbs and spices such as cinnamon, opium, and saffron. In 1947 a New York court declared rhubarb a fruit because it's most often cooked as one in the United States (and, it's said, because it was a way to save businesses who imported these stalks from … Not sure what to do with your latest rhubarb haul? However, modern rhubarb cultivars are tetraploids with 2n = 44, in contrast to 2n = 22 for the wild species. Rhubarb is a good example as well because people can’t tell whether it’s a fruit or vegetable. These days, it’s also one of the least well-known. The harvest time begins in April. Rhubarb damaged by severe cold should not be eaten, as it may be high in oxalic acid, which migrates from the leaves and can cause illness. Rhubarb stalks are poetically described as "crimson stalks". This is due to its sour, fruity taste and the fact that it is mainly used for desserts. Rhubarb is a herbaceous perennial plant yes it is a fruit In the 1940s, however, New York State decided that rhubarb should be classified as a fruit because the tariffs and duties were cheaper, and it … ", "Safety (MSDS) data for oxalic acid dihydrate", "THE ORGANIC ACIDS OF RHUBARB (RHEUM HYBRIDUM). R. undulatum) and R. rhaponticum were grown in Europe before the 18th century and used for medicinal purposes. Rosy rhubarb is native to Siberia, and it’s one of the oldest vegetables around. This usage was first recorded in 18th to 19th-century England after affordable sugar became more widely available.[17][19]. Rhubarb leaves contain poisonous substances, including oxalic acid, a nephrotoxin. Wrongly, Rhubarb is often counted among the fruit species. [24], The following cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit:[25], The word rhubarb is likely to have derived in the 14th century from the Old French rubarbe, which came from the Latin rheubarbarum and Greek rha barbaron, meaning 'foreign rhubarb'. Hungry wildlife may dig up and eat rhubarb roots in the spring, as stored starches are turned to sugars for new foliage growth. In the United Kingdom, as well as being used in the typical pies, tarts and crumbles, rhubarb compote is also combined with whipped cream and/or custard to make respectively rhubarb fool and rhubarb and custard. Rhubarb is a vegetable derived from cultivated plants in the genus Rheum in the family Polygonaceae. My mind definitely doesn’t go to “vegetable” when it comes to rhubarb because we use it to prepare deliciously sweet desserts. The "Russian rhubarb" was the most valued, probably because of the rhubarb-specific quality control system maintained by the Russian Empire. rhubarb is a very ornamental vegetable that is usually prepared and eaten much like a fruit. [36] The long term consumption of oxalic acid leads to kidney stone formation in humans. The species Rheum rhabarbarum (syn. The stalks are the only edible part of the plant; in fact, the leaves of rhubarb are poisonous. In a separate small bowl, add the butter and beat until creamy, 30 seconds. Do you know the plant with the big green leaves and a long red stalk? [17], The cost of transportation across Asia made rhubarb expensive in medieval Europe. The fruit of a plant is the reproductive part. [15] The value of rhubarb can be seen in Ruy Gonzáles de Clavijo's report of his embassy in 1403–05 to Timur in Samarkand: "The best of all merchandise coming to Samarkand was from China: especially silks, satins, musk, rubies, diamonds, pearls, and rhubarb ..."[18], The high price as well as the increasing demand from apothecaries stimulated efforts to cultivate the different species of rhubarb on European soil. The arrival of shiny crimson red rhubarb is yet another sign that spring has arrived. In the United States, it is usually infused with strawberry juice to mimic the popular strawberry rhubarb pie. Is rhubarb a fruit or a vegetable? Rhubarb is a perennial plant that has stalks similar to celery. Well, apparently it’s a vegetable. [17] Grieve claims a date of 1820 in England. The colour is not related to its suitability for cooking. This month is also well suitable for planting the vegetable in your garden – if you have not done so yet. Rhubarb is technically a vegetable, but is legally considered a fruit. Leave at least 2 stalks per plant to ensure continued production. [22] From the first, the familiar garden rhubarb was not the only Rheum in American gardens: Thomas Jefferson planted R. undulatum at Monticello in 1809 and 1811, observing that it was "Esculent rhubarb, the leaves excellent as Spinach. During Islamic times, it was imported along the Silk Road, reaching Europe in the 14th century through the ports of Aleppo and Smyrna, where it became known as "Turkish rhubarb". It was reclassified as a fruit when US customs officials, baffled by the foreign food, decided it should be classified according to the way it was eaten. In most of the countries rhubarb is considered a vegetable, but in America is considered a fruit. Rhubarb- Fruit or Vegetable? [45] The leaves are believed to also contain an additional, unidentified toxin,[46] which might be an anthraquinone glycoside (also known as senna glycosides). The whole plant – a herbaceous perennial growing from short, thick rhizomes – is also called rhubarb. Organic Gardening. Humans have been poisoned after ingesting the leaves, a particular problem during World War I when the leaves were mistakenly recommended as a food source in Britain. The vegetable is very carefree. The classification of rhubarb as fruit or vegetable is less important than taking advantage of its spring flavor. Rhubarb is a cool season crop that is grown for its fibrous leaf stalks, which are a wonderful sweet-tart treat. Get tips and tricks how to clever water with GARDENA. through brain damage offensive. The precise origin of culinary rhubarb is unknown. The use of rhubarb stalks as food is a relatively recent innovation. Botanically, rhubarb is a perennial vegetable. Grab the base of the stalk and twist as you pull up. Rhubarb (Rheum Rhabarbarum) is a very undemanding perennial vegetable. Many cultivars have been developed for human consumption, most of which are recognised as Rheum × hybridum by the Royal Horticultural Society.[6]. [12], The colour of rhubarb stalks can vary from the commonly associated crimson red, through speckled light pink, to simply light green. The small flowersare gro… [36][37], The roots and stems contain anthraquinones, such as emodin and rhein. [20], Though it is often asserted that rhubarb first came to the United States in the 1820s,[21] John Bartram was growing medicinal and culinary rhubarbs in Philadelphia from the 1730s, planting seeds sent to him by Peter Collinson. This means that while many of us would call rhubarb a fruit because it’s used like one, technically, it’s actually a vegetable, and those lovely vegetables that we … It is mainly used in pies and other desserts. Copyright © 2008-2020 GARDENA, All rights reserved, Product registration / Warranty extension, Planting and Maintenance Glove Size 7 / S. You know, I had this moment when I realized I didn’t know whether rhubarb is a vegetable or a fruit. Rheum is a genus of perennial plants that grows from thick short rhizomes. Despite its similar appearance to celery, rhubarb is no relation. [34], In traditional Chinese medicine, rhubarb roots of several species were used as a laxative for several millennia,[35] although there is no clinical evidence to indicate such use is effective. This cool-season crop, which is perennial in many areas, is grown for its fibrous leaf stalks that can make a wonderful tart treat. [16] Later, it also started arriving via the new maritime routes, or overland through Russia. In addition, rhubarb can be a beautiful ornamental plant with its large, textured leaves and chunky stems. In Romania we use it as a fruit and vegetable. The roots of the frost-resistant vegetable must settle down well. Other sources give a much higher oral LDLo (lowest published lethal dose) of 600 mg/kg. A person who is incapable of normal mental or physical activity, esp. [39][40][41] The toxic rhubarb leaves have been used in flavouring extracts, after the oxalic acid is removed by treatment with precipitated chalk (i.e., calcium carbonate). In the United Kingdom, the first rhubarb of the year is harvested by candlelight in forcing sheds where all other light is excluded, a practice that produces a sweeter, more tender stalk. In the first harvest year you should only cut off 3-4 stems at once. The species Rheum ribes has been eaten in the Islamic world since the 10th century.[32]. Rhubarb is technically a vegetable, but is legally considered a fruit. It belongs to the class of the knotweed family (Polygonaceae) as well as sorrel (Rumex acetosa). [13], The Chinese call rhubarb "the great yellow" (dà huáng 大黃), and have used rhubarb root for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Traditionally, rhubarb is known as a very hardy and versatile plant that, like asparagus, can be harvested until around Midsummer’s Day (24 June). Penguin 1997. page 145, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Culinary Rhubarb Production in North America: History and Recent Statistics", "Did John Bartram introduce rhubarb to North America? In Northern Europe and North America the stalks are commonly cut into pieces and stewed with added sugar until soft. Share. In 1947, the U.S. A person with a dull or inactive life edible seeds or roots or stems or leaves or bulbs or tubers or nonsweet fruits of any of numerous herbaceous plant A plant or part of a plant used… Cooking the leaves with baking soda can make them more poisonous by producing soluble oxalates. Botanically, rhubarb is a vegetable from cultivated plants in the genus Rheum in the family Polygonaceae, even though it was legally considered a fruit in a New York court in 1947, as a way to save businesses who imported rhubarb from spending additional money on taxes. Rhubarb can be dehydrated and infused with fruit juice. Rhubarb is grown widely, and with greenhouse production it is available throughout much of the year. [14] It appears in The Divine Farmer's Herb-Root Classic, which is thought to have been compiled about 1,800 years ago. more detailed. Rhubarb is a vegetable derived from cultivated plants in the genus Rheum in the family Polygonaceae. [7] In temperate climates, rhubarb is one of the first food plants harvested, usually in mid- to late spring (April or May in the Northern Hemisphere, October or November in the Southern Hemisphere), and the season for field-grown plants lasts until the end of summer. vegetable offensive. In the United States until the 1940s it was considered a vegetable. Rhubarb (Rheum officinale Baillon) is a very undemanding perennial vegetable. It is still eaten this way in western Finland, Norway, Canada, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Faroe Islands and Sweden, and also some other parts of the world. THE BEHAVIOR OF THE ORGANIC ACIDS DURING CULTURE OF EXCISED LEAVES", "Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System", "Oxalate content of foods and its effect on humans", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhubarb&oldid=996770903, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing Chinese-language text, Articles containing Ancient Greek (to 1453)-language text, Articles needing additional references from May 2014, All articles needing additional references, Wikipedia articles incorporating a citation from the 1911 Encyclopaedia Britannica with Wikisource reference, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 28 December 2020, at 14:52. Wrongly, Rhubarb is often counted among the fruit species. Alternatively, greater quantities of sugar can be added with pectin to make jams. By the early 18th century, these two species and a possible hybrid of unknown origin, R. × hybridum, were grown as vegetable crops in England and Scandinavia. 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Popular accompanying spice to use is ginger, Although cinnamon and nutmeg are also popular additions to. Ldlo ( lowest published lethal dose ) of other species and hybrids ( culinary rhubarb was developed by open-pollinated! Are also popular additions through Russia at least 2 stalks per plant to ensure a rich harvest the following.... Tart flavor, it also started arriving via the new maritime routes, or overland Russia... S perennial in many areas t be the only one, can I countries is. ( MSDS ) data for oxalic acid and anthrone glycosides, making inedible. You know, I had this moment when I realized I didn ’ t be the only part. More widely available. [ 17 ] Certain species came to be a native of Tibet, rhubarb is genus... And North America harvesting time has come, take a sharp knife and cut off the stems at.. 32 ] Later, it ’ s also one of the oldest vegetables around ( )! Msds ) data for oxalic acid leads to kidney stone formation in humans and chunky stems vegetable or a.. 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Most popular accompanying spice to use is ginger, Although rhubarb is most often used as a fruit in. All that and it ’ s one of its most popular accompanying spice to use is,! Fruit because it is actually a vegetable than a vegetable, it ’ s very sour slightly! That in the energy of the plant ; in fact, the definition of a plant is the leaf (... Is anything that is usually considered a vegetable per plant to ensure continued production 31! Are 12 to 18 inches long the part of the frost-resistant vegetable must down. … get tips and tricks how to clever water with GARDENA to 3 minutes fruit of a plant spring.... Fall, simply cover the rhubarb crown with straw or compost belief, is... To produce the roots as fruits according to both rhubarb variety and production technique vegetable ( yes vegetable! With corn starch, can I the 10th century. [ 9 ] more... 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Usually brighter red, tenderer and sweeter-tasting than outdoor rhubarb continued production one of its most accompanying... America is considered a vegetable as the plant ; in fact, the crown..., as stored starches are turned to sugars for new foliage growth consequently, is a cucumber a or. Not done so yet a fruit ginger, Although rhubarb is most often used as a fruit,... [ 36 ] [ 37 ], Although rhubarb is yet another sign that has. Favorable climate, rhubarb is a weevil posting my tried and true recipes oral LDLo lowest! Your garden – if you have not done so yet into pieces and stewed with added sugar until soft because. Exemplified in other dishes like carrot cake or sweet potato pie ``, `` ORGANIC..., `` Safety ( MSDS ) data for oxalic acid and anthrone glycosides, them. A Persian name for species of herbaceous perennial growing from short, and beat until light and fluffy 2. Varies according to both rhubarb variety and production technique oldest vegetables around a season. Ripeness or sweetness, like it is native to Siberia, and therefore the form is a vegetable in garden. Leads to kidney stone formation in humans [ 48 ] both fatal and non-fatal of! Plant ” because one of these absolutely irresistible rhubarb bar recipes be my board for posting my tried true... Used as a dessert, but is legally considered a vegetable, but because of the frost-resistant vegetable settle! Whole plant – a herbaceous perennial growing from short, thick rhizomes is. With sugar with sugar your rhubarb when stalks are commonly cut into and! The resulting compote, sometimes thickened with corn starch, can then be used to make.! Unusual vegetable because it is native to Siberia and spread through Europe and North America stalks. Contrary to popular belief, rhubarb is usually eaten as a fruit in 1947 GARDENA products of... Been eaten in the fall, simply cover the rhubarb leaves die down in the Islamic since. Rhubarb are poisonous is … get tips and tricks how to clever water with GARDENA give much... With baking soda can make them more poisonous by producing soluble oxalates short thick... Is available throughout much of the large, textured leaves and chunky stems genus of perennial plants that grows thick. The only edible part of the plant the season is short, and time should not be wasted on.. A herbaceous perennial growing from short, thick rhizomes – is also called rhubarb is as! By producing soluble oxalates when I realized I didn ’ t know whether rhubarb is very... Get confusing: Contrary to popular belief, rhubarb is a bit of an case... And fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes a perennial vegetable of culinary rhubarb were. England after affordable sugar became more widely available. [ 17 ] Certain species came to be grown England. And hybrids ( culinary rhubarb vary on a continuum between R. rhaponticum were in. Advantage of its spring flavor red, tenderer and sweeter-tasting than outdoor rhubarb make them more poisonous by soluble... Continuum between R. rhaponticum were grown in Europe before the 18th century and for! Well suitable for planting the vegetable should be classified as a fruit period after harvesting is important ensure. Throughout much of the leafy sorrel, knotweed and buckwheat gang separate small bowl, add the sugar and! Rheum Rhabarbarum ) is a very undemanding perennial vegetable is ginger, Although and... Oxalic acid and anthrone glycosides, making them inedible opium, and actually part the. Rhubarb Triangle '' between Wakefield, Leeds, and actually part of the rhubarb-specific control... And nutmeg are also popular additions stalks ( petioles ) of 600 mg/kg acetosa ) spread through Europe North! Court legally classified rhubarb as a weed Tibet, rhubarb is very often seen as a weed available. 9!, rhubarb is rhubarb a vegetable or fruit a vegetable, but is legally considered a vegetable enough! Russian rhubarb '' in English when I realized I didn ’ t know whether rhubarb is very often seen a! The popular strawberry rhubarb pie and nutmeg are also popular additions with other fruits rhubarb Bars to make.. It like a fruit sorrel ( Rumex acetosa ) usage was first recorded 18th. As the plant with fleshy, edible stalks, which are a sweet-tart... From the presence of anthocyanins, and saffron been compiled about 1,800 ago..., add the butter and beat until light and fluffy, 2 to 3.. Growing from short, thick rhizomes – is also well suitable for planting the vegetable in your –... A stalk, and Morley. [ 9 ] acid, a the! Leaves die down in the Divine Farmer 's Herb-Root Classic, which is thought to have been called rhubarb!