Ever wondered about the health benefits of eating rhubarb? I have gathered some facts and health benefits about this plant which might surprise you! Even though it is very tart if you eat it raw, there are plenty of recipes that transform rhubarb into something delicious!

5 Rhubarb Facts:

1) Rhubarb is a vegetable, not a fruit! However, it pairs well with many fruits in baked goods.

2) Rhubarb is a perennial plant that is very easy to grow. It can grow in zones 3-8, but it does best where there is a cold winter, such as Colorado!

3) The stalks are edible, but the leaves are not! They contain oxalic acid and can be poisonous if you eat them.

4) You can harvest rhubarb once the plant is 3 years old and the stalks are 12-18″ long and at least 3/4″ in diameter. Harvest season is about 8-10 weeks long from spring to early summer.

5) Rhubarb originated in Asia and was brought to Europe around the 1600’s. Shortly after that it is rumored that Ben Franklin asked for the seeds to be brought over to America.

5 Rhubarb Health Benefits:

1) Rhubarb is high in fiber and a good source of Vitamin K1, even when cooked. It also provides Vitamin C and a little bit of Calcium & Potassium.

2) Eating it may help lower cholesterol since it is high in fiber.

3) It is a good source of antioxidants, and it is reported to have more than kale does!

4) Can aid digestion & improve liver health.

5) Rhubarb by itself is very low in sugar, however it is very tart, so sugar is normally added to recipes.

Hopefully you have learned something new about rhubarb and are inspired to try out some recipes! Or even grow it in your backyard! If you are looking for a great pie recipe, check out my Peach Rhubarb Pie! And since rhubarb is a vegetable, you could always try to add it in a soup or other recipes while cooking!