I HAVE been asked twice this week how to grow rhubarb, so I’ve not only put this to paper, the cooking column also features a recipe for it.
A native to Siberia, the Chinese have used it as a medicinal plant for more than 5000 years and studies have shown there is good reason for why they’ve done so.
Research suggests there are beneficial compounds in rhubarb that may fight cancer, lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure and protect eye and brain health.
It’s also used as a natural laxative, great source of vitamin K1, which is important for blood clotting and bone health. It is used as treatment for people with renal failure among a number of other things.
Better still, it contains catechins, which are known to boost metabolism, and this also helps burn body fat and aid weight loss.
Rhubarb is also a good source of fibre, another nutrient important for weight loss.
So, as Grandma always knew, it’s a handy, long-lived plant to have in your garden.
Rhubarb has a crown, from which its stalks spring. It is easiest to buy a plant from a garden centre or market to plant because if growing from seed, it will take at least two years before you can take any of the stalks from it.
There are several types, some come with red stalks, some with green. It’s important to note here that neither colour makes any difference to the taste.
The plant leaves of all rhubarb are always poisonous, however, because of the high level of oxalic acid they contain, and also must never be eaten or used for chook or pig tucker.
Rhubarb likes a sunny spot, although they will tolerate a little shade. It has no known pests they need protecting from – it will also handle frosts reasonably well.
It likes a good soil that has had plenty of compost and is free draining. The latter is important because if the crown gets too wet and the soil doesn’t drain, it can rot and die.
For all that, it is a very forgiving plant that will last a decade or more and many new plants can be gained by splitting the crowns from time to time once the plant is well established.
The best way to take the stalks you need is to gently twist them from the base, rather than cut them with a knife.
The removal of the stalk this way tells the crown it has been removed and signals for the growth to begin of a new one.
