5 Things You Didn't Know About Rhubarb

To some folks it’s a mystery, to others it’s a welcomed spring goodie. Whether you’re a devoted fan or rhubarb neophyte here are 5 fun facts.
rhubarb

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Rhubarb isolated on a white studio background.

Photo by: Edward Westmacott

Edward Westmacott

Rhubarb: To some folks it’s a mystery, to others, it’s a welcomed spring goodie. Whether you’re a devoted fan or rhubarb neophyte, here are 5 fun facts.

1: First Medicine, Then Dessert

The earliest records of rhubarb date back to China in 2700 B.C., where it was used for medicinal purposes.

2: It's Really A Vegetable

Rhubarb is a member of the buckwheat family and botanically speaking, it's a vegetable, not a fruit.

3: Rhubarb Cooking Tip

1 pound of fresh rhubarb yields about 3 cups chopped or 2 cups cooked.

4: Rhubarb Aliases

Rhubarb is also commonly referred to as a "pie plant" after one of its most popular applications...pie.

5: A New Rhubarb Pairing

Americans are all about pairing tangy and tart rhubarb with sweet and juicy strawberries. In Britain they enjoy it with spicy ginger – yum!

Hungry? We've got lots more rhubarb recipes and ideas:

TELL US: What's your favorite rhubarb fact or recipe?

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition. See Dana's full bio »

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