For many gardeners, rhubarb is one of the first signs that the growing season has arrived. Long before tomatoes, peppers and sweet corn are ready for harvest, rhubarb pushes through the soil and provides a welcome taste of spring.
One of the best things about rhubarb is that it’s a perennial plant. Once established, a healthy rhubarb patch can produce for many years with relatively little maintenance. The large leaves and colorful stalks return each spring, often becoming a family tradition passed from one generation to the next.
How to Freeze Rhubarb
Freezing rhubarb is one of the easiest ways to preserve the harvest and enjoy its flavor all year long.
To freeze rhubarb, simply wash the stalks, trim the ends and cut them into pieces. Spread the pieces on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to freezer bags or containers. This method helps prevent the pieces from clumping together and makes it easy to measure what you need for future recipes. Frozen rhubarb can last for months and works well in pies, crisps, sauces, muffins and other baked goods.
Preserving rhubarb allows gardeners to get more value from every harvest. Instead of rushing to use fresh stalks before they spoil, you can save some for the colder months when a taste of spring feels especially welcome. Imagine pulling frozen rhubarb from the freezer in January and turning it into a favorite family dessert.
Rhubarb’s unique tart flavor also makes it surprisingly versatile. It pairs well with strawberries, raspberries and other fruits, but it can also be used in jams, syrups and sauces. Some cooks even incorporate rhubarb into savory dishes for a bright burst of flavor.
This Rhubarb Jell-O Torte is a great example of how rhubarb can shine in a dessert. Its balance of sweet and tart flavors makes it a refreshing treat for gatherings, holidays or any time you’re looking for a slice of something special.
If you’re fortunate enough to have rhubarb growing in your garden, think beyond this season’s harvest. A little time spent preserving today can provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy this spring favorite throughout the year.
Rhubarb Jell-O Torte
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 c. flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 4 Tbsp. Crisco
- 2 eggs beaten
- 2 Tbsp. milk
- 5-6 c. rhubarb
- 6 oz. Jell-O strawberry or raspberry
Toppings
- 2 c. sugar
- 1 c. flour
- ½ c. butter softened
Instructions
- For the crust, mix the first four ingredients together like pie crust.
- Add eggs and milk. Mix.
- Pack in 9 by 13-inch pan. Add cut up rhubarb on top of the crust. Sprinkle with dry Jello-O.
- Mix topping ingredients together and sprinkle on top of rhubarb.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until rhubarb is tender.