Rhubarb

The State of Washington is known for having the ideal climate for growing fresh rhubarb. Rhubarb is a vegetable, yet its used in recipes as a fruit. Also known as cherry rhubarb and hothouse rhubarb, good-quality rhubarb will be fairly straight, firm and smooth. The coloring will be deep red to purple along most of the stalk fading to a green or white blush on either end.

Season:

Harvest season typically begins in January and runs to August.

Washington State is the leading rhubarb producer.

History:

The Ancient Chinese cultivated the plant for health reasons, as they believed the rhubarb plant roots had valuable medicinal properties. Rhubarb gained little acceptance in the United States until the 1700's, where it became popular for tarts and pies.

Available:

30 lbs IQF (1/2" cut) cases