Do we really need a post on something as simple as how to freeze rhubarb? I know this sounds like a NO brainer kind of post but you wouldn’t believe HOW many questions I get about rhubarb!
This quick post will cover and answer a lot of those questions:
- How to freeze Rhubarb
- When to pick Rhubarb
- How to Pick Rhubarb
- What Part of Rhubarb Can I Eat
- What to do with Rhubarb Flowers
I wrote up a little post about it because I just think everyone needs to appreciate the free and easy growing rhubarb plants on their property.
How to Freeze Rhubarb
This started off as a How to Freeze Rhubarb Post but realized I wanted to answer all your rhubarb questions at once, so I made it a bigger post. If I didn’t answer them all please let me know what else you need to know!
When Can I pick Rhubarb?
The very basic answer to this question is ALWAYS. Rhubarb is ready to pick as you soon as it’s popping up. I like to give it a week or two to make sure it’s really growing well.
Once it’s really coming up I feel like I can pick as needed. And you should too. Rhubarb never really “goes bad” but the longer the stalks stay on the plant the stringier they can get. So I try to use them up before that happens.
How do I pick Rhubarb?
This is SO simple. There is no need to cut rhubarb, it responds BEST to being plucked straight out of the ground. You might feel like you’re hurting the plant pulling out big stalks BUT you are not. When pulling out a stalk grasp it firmly, pull straight up and you’ll have a stalk ready to go.
What Part of Rhubarb Can I Eat?
The stalks ONLY! The leaves are poisonous so do please throw them out. I like to wash everything off with a hose outside. Then I stop outside as well and trim up the rhubarb. Trim off any dirty ends and the leaves and then head inside for a second wash.
Rhubarb Flowers
You will see from time to time some flowers popping up out of your plants. Rhubarb Flowers are totally normal. BUT they do slow down your plant’s production. So if you see any flowers popping out just pluck them like you’re picking rhubarb and dispose of them. Your plant will thank for you that by growing more rhubarb.
How to Freeze Rhubarb
This is so easy guys! I know a LOT of fruits and vegetables need to be blanched before you freeze it but rhubarb is not one of them! You can pick it, clean it, chop it and freeze it in just a few minutes.
I do recommend using a vacuum sealer for best results that way it will last longer in the freezer. I like to freeze 1-2 bags a week to stretch out the harvest all summer long. I feel rich if I have enough rhubarb stocked up in the freezer for desserts every single week all winter long!
My Favorite Rhubarb Recipes!
- Rhubarb Bars
- Strawberry Rhubarb Bars
- Rhubarb Bread with Streusel Topping
- Rhubarb Dream bars
- Crock Pot Cobbler
My internet is very slow so I am unable to see how to freeze rhubarb on your page. Can you please let me know how to do so as I’d like to make some rhubarb desserts this year? Thank you.