Saturday 21 July 2012

The Last of the Rhubarb

Round about this time of year I pull the last of the Rhubarb.  It is quite tough now and the outer skin needs peeling off before cooking.  Even though there are quite a few sticks left on the plant I leave them so that the plant isn't weakened too much and is able to replenish itself.  Anyway by this time of year I am pretty sick of it - and look for ways to turn it into something a bit different.

As there are about twenty hefty-sized sticks I am going to have to be pretty inventive to use it all up.  So I thought maybe a Rhubarb and Strawberry Compote - delicious with ice cream and a refreshing way to use a glut of summer fruit.



Pinned Image
via
  And maybe some Rhubarb and Ginger Jam


Pinned Image
via
  This makes a lovely alternative to marmalade - and finally I thought about some chutney using curry powder instead of mixed spice.



Pinned Image
via
  Do you have any favourite ways of using up your Rhubarb - I'd be interested to know?

28 comments:

  1. Enjoyed your rhubarb post....we have much...many..loads of it from my Mother-in-Law's days, but no-one seems to like it here now...'Tis growing wild.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know what you mean about it growing wild - I have chopped big clumps out and still it grows like wildfire.

      Delete
  2. Sorry Elaine, I'm a bit boring with rhubarb and I only ever make crumble with it!! Your suggestions sound fab though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There is definitely nothing wrong with rhubarb crumble but I have too much rhubarb - enough for a years worth of crumbles - trouble is I have no room in the freezer so I have to find other ways of using it up.

      Delete
  3. I eat it, generally just stewed, so just pick a few stems when I need them, and give the rest away. Flighty xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I used to give a lot away but now everyone seems to have their own plants and it seems a shame to let it all go to waste.

      Delete
  4. What is that lovely looking bread it is on

    ReplyDelete
  5. I like the look of the compote Elaine, i may have a go tomorrow. I do have some in the freezer but i may pick a few tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Trouble is as the weather is a bit better I don't want to stand all day in the kitchen making jam. It may have to wait for another rainy day.

      Delete
  6. I always 'force' my Rhubarb in early spring, and love it. After that it tends to be overlooked. I have a huge amount in the garden that will now probably all be wasted.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I must say I'm a bit like that too - I love those first pink sweet sticks - but now they're tough and practically thick as my arm - but something in my frugal nature tells me to use them.

      Delete
  7. I love rhubarb, but sadly do not have room to grow it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Surely it would be ideal for your jungle garden!

      Delete
  8. We use lots in a compote but we like rhubarb muffins too.

    At a nearby farm shop I saw pork and rhubarb pie - them farm shop was called the rhubarb traingle though and in the middle of carlton - the rhubarb capital!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't think I'll bother with the pork and rhubarb pie - but the muffins sound good.

      Delete
  9. I like the boring old crumble or sometimes stewed with a little sugar. I used to eat it unripe when I was a child, gave me stomach ache for a while but always got a day or two off school??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have to admit the simplest ways of using it are the best - I remember dipping rhubarb sticks raw in a bag of sugar. Great for the teeth and well as belly ache.

      Delete
  10. Rhubarb and Strawberry crumble. Delicious!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes - definitely my favourite way of eating rhubarb

      Delete
  11. I don't think I've ever eaten rhubarb (maybe in a strawberry pie???). Enjoying reading your post and seeing what commenters say they use it for.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rhubarb and strawberry is the best way to eat it - I think it may be an British thing - nearly every garden has some here.

      Delete
  12. Rhubarb and Ginger Jam sounds really interesting...do you have a favourite recipe for it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes - I first had it when my neighbour gave me a pot she had made - from then on I have been hooked.

      Delete
  13. Mmmmmmmmmmmm - all look most tasty options Elaine - 'fraid I can't keep up with any original or exciting ideas - my favourite idea being rhubarb crumble.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love all your ideas for your Rhubarb Elaine. Also I just wanted to say a big thankyou for The One Lovely Blog Award which you awarded me a few weeks ago. What with our holiday and then my eye surgery just around the corner as well as resting up this last ten days, I apologise that I have only just got around to responding. I hope to start blogging again in the next few days so I will link back to your blog. Thanks again.
    Patricia x

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh I do love rhubarb-great to have some new ideas though...

    ReplyDelete
  16. I still have rhubarb in the garden. I was eyeing it up the other day thinking I should pull some. I will have to use it now that you've got me craving rhubarb!

    ReplyDelete

If you have enjoyed reading this post why not leave a comment - I would love to hear from you.

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...