How to force rhubarb
Have you ever wondered how to enjoy sweet and tender rhubarb even before it’s ready for harvest? Forcing rhubarb is a technique that will allow you to do just that. By using a simple process of excluding light, you can help produce tender, succulent stems that are perfect for baking, cooking, or even enjoying fresh.
Rhubarb forced to grow in this way is often referred to as “forced rhubarb” or “champagne rhubarb”. It is known for its unique flavor that is both sweet and tart, making it a popular ingredient in pies, jams, and desserts. If you’re curious about trying this technique in your own garden or even indoors, read on for a step-by-step guide.
First, it’s important to understand why rhubarb needs to be forced. Rhubarb is a perennial plant, and in its natural growth cycle, the stems start to become tender and sweet during spring. However, it takes time for them to fully develop. By forcing the rhubarb, you are essentially speeding up the process, tricking the plant into thinking it’s springtime, and encouraging early growth. This allows you to harvest rhubarb earlier in the year than you normally would.
Understanding Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a versatile perennial vegetable that is often used in desserts and jams. It has a unique tart flavor that pairs well with sweet ingredients. Rhubarb stalks are typically reddish pink, but they can also be green or purple. The stalks are the edible part of the plant, while the leaves are toxic and should not be consumed.
Rhubarb is native to Asia and was first cultivated for medicinal purposes. It is now grown around the world and is particularly popular in Europe and North America. Rhubarb is high in fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, making it a nutritious addition to any diet. It is also low in calories and fat.
When choosing rhubarb at the store or market, look for firm stalks that are free of blemishes. The color can vary depending on the variety, but the stalks should have a bright and vibrant hue. Avoid stalks that are soft or have wrinkled skin, as they are past their prime.
Rhubarb can be harvested from late spring to early summer, but it can also be forced to grow in winter. Forcing rhubarb involves covering the plant with a pot or bucket to block out the light. This causes the stalks to grow long and tender, with a milder flavor. Forced rhubarb is considered a delicacy and is prized for its pale pink color.
Once harvested, rhubarb should be stored in the refrigerator. It can be used in a variety of recipes, such as pies, crumbles, and sauces. Rhubarb pairs well with strawberries, apples, and citrus fruits. It can also be preserved by freezing or canning.
In conclusion, understanding rhubarb can help you make the most of this delicious and nutritious vegetable. Whether you grow it in your garden or purchase it from the store, rhubarb can be enjoyed in a wide range of dishes. Its tart and tangy flavor is sure to add a unique twist to your recipes.
Benefits of Growing Rhubarb
Growing rhubarb in your garden not only provides you with a tasty and versatile ingredient for cooking and baking, but it also offers several additional benefits. Here are some of the advantages of growing rhubarb:
- Nutritional Value: Rhubarb is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and manganese. Including rhubarb in your diet can help support healthy bones, boost the immune system, and promote good digestion.
- Low in Calories: If you are watching your calorie intake, rhubarb can be a great addition to your diet. It is very low in calories, with almost no fat, making it a guilt-free choice for adding flavor to your meals.
- Garden Beautification: Rhubarb plants have large, vibrant leaves and attractive red or green stalks that can add visual interest to your garden. They can be grown as ornamental plants and provide a beautiful splash of color, especially when planted in clusters.
- Low Maintenance: Rhubarb is a low-maintenance plant that requires little attention once established. It is a perennial plant that can keep producing for several years with minimal care. This makes it a great choice for beginner gardeners or those with limited time for gardening.
- Economical: Growing your own rhubarb can help save money on grocery bills, as it is a relatively expensive ingredient to buy. By planting and maintaining your own rhubarb patch, you can always have a fresh supply on hand, reducing the need to purchase it from the store.
- Sustainability: Rhubarb is a sustainable crop that can be easily propagated through division. Once established, rhubarb plants are resilient and productive, making them a sustainable choice for home gardeners.
Considering these benefits, growing rhubarb can be a rewarding and worthwhile addition to your garden. Whether you are looking for a nutritious vegetable, a decorative plant, or a cost-effective way to enhance your cooking, rhubarb offers a range of advantages for both the novice and experienced gardener.
Preparing Rhubarb for Forcing
To force rhubarb, you will need to prepare the plant ahead of time to ensure successful results. Here are the steps to get your rhubarb ready for forcing:
1. Choose the right soil
Start by selecting a well-draining soil mixture with a good nutrient content. Look for a mixture that is rich in organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure.
2. Find the right variety
Not all rhubarb varieties are suitable for forcing. Look for varieties specifically bred or recommended for forcing, such as ‘Timperley Early’ or ‘Stockbridge Arrow’.
3. Dig up the crowns
In late autumn or early winter, dig up the rhubarb crowns. Carefully remove any excess soil and trim back any dead or damaged roots. This will help promote healthy growth during the forcing process.
4. Store the crowns in a cool place
Place the cleaned and trimmed crowns in a cool and dark place, such as a shed or refrigerator. This cold treatment helps simulate winter conditions and prepares the rhubarb for forcing.
5. Bring the crowns indoors for forcing
A few weeks before you want to start forcing, bring the rhubarb crowns indoors and place them in a forcing container. This can be a rhubarb forcer, a large pot with an overturned bucket, or any other opaque container that will exclude light.
6. Keep the crowns in darkness
For successful forcing, it is important to keep the rhubarb crowns in complete darkness. This encourages the production of long, pink stalks as the plant reaches for light.
7. Gradually increase exposure to light
After about three weeks, you can start gradually exposing the rhubarb crowns to light. This can be done by uncovering the forcing container for a few minutes each day and gradually increasing the exposure over time. This process helps the plants adjust to the light and prevents them from becoming weak or spindly.
8. Harvest the forced rhubarb
Once the stalks have reached a desirable length and thickness, you can begin harvesting the forced rhubarb. Cut the stalks close to the base of the plant using a sharp knife, taking care not to damage the crown.
By following these steps, you can properly prepare your rhubarb for forcing and enjoy a bountiful harvest of tender, delicious stalks.
Forcing Rhubarb Indoors
Forcing rhubarb is an age-old technique used to kickstart the growth of rhubarb plants and bring an early harvest. By providing the perfect conditions for rhubarb to grow, you can enjoy tender and sweet stalks as early as possible.
1. Choose the Right Variety
Not all rhubarb varieties are suitable for forcing. Look for varieties like ‘Timperley Early’ or ‘Victoria’, which are known for their ability to produce tender stalks when forced.
2. Prepare the Crowns in Winter
In winter, around November or December, you can start preparing the rhubarb crowns for forcing. Dig up the crowns and remove any dead leaves or debris. Trim the roots and divide the crown into smaller sections if desired.
3. Create Darkness
To force rhubarb, it needs around 8 to 10 weeks of darkness. This stimulates the plant to produce early growth. Place a large rhubarb forcer or an upturned bucket with a layer of straw or compost over the crown to block out all light. Secure it with a weight to prevent it from being blown away by the wind.
4. Provide Warmth
Rhubarb needs warmth to force its growth. You can place the covered crown in a dark and warm spot, such as a shed, cellar, or greenhouse. The optimum temperature for forcing rhubarb is around 55-65°F (13-18°C).
5. Water Regularly
During the forcing period, it’s important to keep the crown consistently moist. Water the crowns regularly to ensure they don’t dry out. Be careful not to overwater and waterlog the crown, as this can lead to root rot.
Ready for Harvest
After 8 to 10 weeks, the forced rhubarb should be ready for harvest. Remove the cover gently and check for signs of growth. You should see tall, tender stalks that are ready to be harvested by twisting them off at the base.
Enjoy Early Harvest
Forcing rhubarb indoors allows you to enjoy an early harvest with tender, sweet stalks that can be used in an array of delicious recipes. From mouth-watering pies and crumbles to jams and compotes, the possibilities are endless!
Harvesting Forced Rhubarb
Once your rhubarb plants have been forced and have produced long, tender stems, it’s time to harvest them. The rhubarb will be at its best when it has reached a length of about 10-12 inches, or 25-30 centimeters.
Harvesting Method
To harvest forced rhubarb, firmly grasp the stem as close to the base as possible, then give it a sharp twist and pull upwards. Make sure not to cut the stems as this can introduce diseases or pests into the plant. Avoid tugging too hard as this can damage the rhubarb plant.
Always harvest forced rhubarb stems as soon as they reach the desired length. Leaving them on the plant for too long may cause the stems to become tough and less flavorful.
Harvesting Yield
Forced rhubarb plants typically yield several stems that can be harvested during their forced period. On average, you can expect to harvest around 1 to 2 pounds (0.5-1 kilogram) of forced rhubarb per plant.
It’s important to note that after harvesting forced rhubarb, the plant will need time to recover. Allow the plants to rest and regain their strength before harvesting again, usually for a period of at least two years.
| Stem Length | Yield per Plant |
|---|---|
| 10 inches (25 cm) | 1 pound (0.5 kg) |
| 12 inches (30 cm) | 2 pounds (1 kg) |
By carefully harvesting your forced rhubarb and giving the plant time to recover, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of tender and delicious rhubarb stems.
Delicious Recipes using Forced Rhubarb
Forced rhubarb is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of delicious recipes. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of this tangy and flavorful rhubarb:
- Rhubarb Compote: Simmer forced rhubarb with sugar, lemon juice, and a touch of cinnamon to create a delicious compote that can be enjoyed on its own or served over yogurt or ice cream.
- Rhubarb Crumble: Combine forced rhubarb with sugar and a squeeze of orange juice, then top with a buttery crumble mixture made from flour, oats, sugar, and butter. Bake until the rhubarb is tender and the crumble is golden brown for a comforting dessert.
- Rhubarb Pie: Create a classic rhubarb pie by combining forced rhubarb with sugar, flour, and a hint of vanilla. Pour the mixture into a pie crust and bake until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Rhubarb Pancakes: Add forced rhubarb to your pancake batter for a delicious twist on a breakfast favorite. The tartness of the rhubarb pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the pancakes.
- Rhubarb Martini: For an adults-only treat, infuse vodka with forced rhubarb by placing chopped rhubarb in a bottle of vodka and letting it sit for a few days. Use the infused vodka to create a refreshing rhubarb martini.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities with forced rhubarb are endless. Get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different flavor combinations to discover your own favorite recipes using this delightful ingredient.
Harrison Clayton
Meet Harrison Clayton, a distinguished author and home remodeling enthusiast whose expertise in the realm of renovation is second to none. With a passion for transforming houses into inviting homes, Harrison's writing at https://thehuts-eastbourne.co.uk/ brings a breath of fresh inspiration to the world of home improvement. Whether you're looking to revamp a small corner of your abode or embark on a complete home transformation, Harrison's articles provide the essential expertise and creative flair to turn your visions into reality. So, dive into the captivating world of home remodeling with Harrison Clayton and unlock the full potential of your living space with every word he writes.
