Forcing Rhubarb: This Growing Technique Will Give You Sweeter Rhubarb

This technique is well-known across the pond, just may be less familiar to gardeners in the U.s.a.. Learn what forcing rhubarb means, and how it changes i of our favorite spring crops.

Rhubarb is usually known for its extremely sour flavor that'due south all-time tempered with a generous corporeality of saccharide and other fruits to produce sweet stalks (bank check out these recipes for some inspo). Want to larn how to abound rhubarb that doesn't need sugar at all? Forcing rhubarb is the growing technique that makes this happen, and it also gives growers an early crop.

What Is Forced Rhubarb?

Have you ever brought a plant bulb from a cold garage to grow information technology within, like a daffodil or crocus? That technique is known as forcing. A dormant plant is exposed to common cold or fifty-fifty frost, and so brought to an ideal climate to beginning growing. With rhubarb, forcing goes one stride further by likewise blocking all lite from the constitute in lodge to get rapid growth.

Why Should You Grow Rhubarb in the Dark?

Growing rhubarb in the nighttime, and we mean total darkness, accomplishes two things. Get-go, the rhubarb stalks grow faster than usual equally the plant searches for light to make chlorophyll. 2nd, the sweetness glucose produced in the rhubarb that would usually be used to grow the plant's huge leaves is instead stored in the stalks. This means that the stalks of forced rhubarb are sweeter instead of sour.

During forcing, the rhubarb plants volition exist on the alert for even the tiniest bit of sunlight so that information technology can begin its natural growing process. Even the axle from a flashlight would exist plenty to break the forcing! For this reason, rhubarb farmers have been known to choice forced rhubarb by candlelight so equally not to disrupt the plants.

Where Is Forced Rhubarb Grown?

Growing rhubarb this manner has a long history in England, where the climate much of the yr is platonic for the plant. At one time, England produced enough rhubarb to meet the demand across Europe and away. The Yorkshire Rhubarb Triangle is a nine square-mile surface area that's famous for its early, forced rhubarb. The plants are grown in long forcing sheds and harvested past hand by candlelight.

This is how to harvest rhubarb from your garden.

How to Grow Forced Rhubarb

Cull immature rhubarb plants, about ane or two years one-time. In early spring, when a few leaves accept only started to emerge from the ground, cover the establish with a large pot. You tin can even look for special rhubarb forcers: large, terra cotta, bell-shaped containers specially fabricated for the chore. Block any holes or gaps in the pot so that no light can get in, and place a layer of harbinger around the outside of the pot to insulate information technology. Let the plant to grow in darkness for nigh 8 weeks before harvesting. Afterward harvesting, the forced plants should exist given a season or two to recover before forcing once more.

Recipes to Brand with Your Rhubarb

Taste of Home

Rhubarb Crisp

I found this strawberry rhubarb well-baked recipe on a box of Quaker Oats about 20 years ago. It's quick and easier to make than pie. It's versatile, too, because yous tin can add strawberries in spring or apples in fall. I unremarkably pop it into the oven before long before we sit downwardly to eat and then information technology's nevertheless warm for dessert! —C.E. Adams, Charlestown, New Hampshire

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Rhubarb Tart

The rhubarb flavor in this tart balances nicely with the honey and amaretto. The mascarpone cheese makes information technology rich and creamy. Sometimes I'll even double the rhubarb for really sumptuous tarts. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Like shooting fish in a barrel Rhubarb Enjoy

I remember eating this relish at my grandmother'southward over l years ago. My mother made it for years and at present my daughters go far. The relish complements any meat, but I find it a must with meat loaf. —Helen Brooks, Lacombe, Alberta r

Rustic Fruit Tart

My married man and I love pie, merely we can't eat a whole 9-inch pie by ourselves. So I make these easy tarts using rhubarb and raspberries picked at home. Sometimes I substitute apples, peaches or our garden blueberries for the rhubarb. —Naomi Olson Hamilton, Michigan

Berry Rhubarb Fool

A "fool" is a British dessert that'due south usually made with custard. This is a modified, quicker version I created. My kids honey it because it doesn't gustatory modality like rhubarb—then I estimate information technology's well named! —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado

Rhubarb Strawberry Pie

This strawberry rhubarb pie with frozen fruit recipe has become a favorite with us. My husband never liked rhubarb until he tasted this pie...now he asks me to make it often! — Sandy Brown, Lake Worth, Florida

Strawberry-Rhubarb Upside-Downwards Block

I set up this colorful dessert quite often in the late spring or summer when fresh rhubarb is arable. I make this rhubarb cake with block mix and accept information technology to church building potlucks. People really line up for a piece. —Bonnie Krogman, Thompson Falls, Montana

Rhubarb Fritters

I got this recipe from my niece'due south son. Since we live in apple country, we accept enjoyed apple tree fritters for many years. This rhubarb treat is a nice modify for bound when apples are few and rhubarb is plentiful. —Helen Budinock, Wolcott, New York

Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Confined

These cheesecake bars layer a buttery pecan shortbread crust with a rich and creamy filling and sweetness-tart strawberry rhubarb jam. For larger squares, cut into ix bars instead of 16. —Amanda Scarlati, Sandy, Utah

Contest-Winning Rhubarb Meringue Pie

My husband's grandmother was an first-class cook, but she didn't always share her secrets. Luckily, we take her rhubarb pie recipe. I added one of my favorite crusts and a never-neglect meringue. —Elaine Sampson, Colesburg, Iowa

Rhubarb Strawberry Crunch

Garden-fresh rhubarb is put to dandy utilize in this easy recipe. It's wonderful with ice cream. —Barbara Foss, Waukesha, Wisconsin

Rhubread

We moved into a house with a grand of fresh rhubarb. To use some of those ruby stalks, we fabricated rhubarb bread with cinnamon and pecans. —Erika Elliott, Panola, Illinois

Rhubarb Lemonade Slush

My family loves rhubarb, and this is such a fun mode to enjoy it. It's nice to have in the freezer and bring out when guests drop by. Even people that aren't crazy about rhubarb enjoy it. —Cathie Beard, Philomath, Oregon

Rhubarb Chutney

It's e'er fun to serve a meat or poultry dish with a twist. This tangy-sweetness chutney is a wonderfully dissimilar garnish. With fine chunks of rhubarb and raisins, it has a nice consistency. It's among our favorite condiments. —January Paterson, Anchorage, Alaska

Macaroon-Topped Rhubarb Cobbler

Crumbled macaroons are a surprising improver to this cobbler's topping. We dearest that yous can make the sweetness care for in a baking dish or a bandage-atomic number 26 skillet. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Block

Although my coffee cake makes a big pan, it never lasts very long! It's keen for a Sunday brunch afterward church and nice to bring to family reunions, also. —Dorothy Morehouse, Massena, New York

Sour Cream Rhubarb Pie

A hint of orange flavour and a nice blend of spices complement the tangy rhubarb. I like to serve the pie while information technology's still warm. —Doreen Martin, Kitimat, British Columbia

Rhubarb-Apricot Barbecued Chicken

Springtime brings back memories of the rhubarb that grew abreast my babyhood home. When I institute scarlet reddish stalks in the store, I created this recipe for them. My family gives this a big thumbs upward. —Laurie Hudson, Westville, Florida

Red Rhubarb Jam

This tangy sweetness spread is "jam-packed" with lots of carmine flavour, plus a hint of rhubarb. My mother gives jars of it to friends during rhubarb flavor—it'south then delicious on toast and muffins. —Faye Sampson, Radcliffe, Iowa

Rhubarb Nut Muffins

Muffins are my weakness! When I make these to have to a gathering, I e'er come home with an empty plate. —Mary Kay Morris, Cokato, Minnesota

Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie

Slab pie is a pastry baked in a jelly-curl pan and cut into slabs like a bar cookie—or a pie bar, if you will. My grandfather was a professional baker and served pieces of slab pie to his customers back in the solar day. Here is my spin, featuring rhubarb and gorgeous red raspberries. —Jeanne Ambrose, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Blueberry/Rhubarb Breakfast Sauce

My husband'southward aunt gave me this recipe, and it's become our family's favorite breakfast topping. Sometimes I'll substitute scarlet pie filling (which I put through the blender) for the blueberry pie filling—it's tasty, also! —Rita Wagenmann, Grangeville, Idaho

Blueberry-Rhubarb Crumble

A dollop of whipped topping adds a nice finishing touch to this satisfying crumble. Sometimes I drizzle a lilliputian flavored coffee creamer on top instead of the whipped topping. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana

Strawberry-Rhubarb Cream Dessert

A neighbor shared this recipe with me, and I created my own variation using garden-fresh rhubarb and strawberries. The shortbread crust and flossy sweet-tart layers went over big at a family political party—not a nibble was left! —Sara Zignego, Hartford, Wisconsin

Rhubarb-Cherry Chutney

I love surprising recipes like this chutney with rhubarb, apple and cherries. Try it with cream cheese and crackers or as a condiment for grilled chicken. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Rhubarb Dumplings

I beloved to endeavour new recipes. When I served these at a recent family gathering, I got lots of compliments. —Elsie Beat, Topeka, Indiana

Rhubarb Mint Tea

A bumper crop of rhubarb and mint from my garden inspired me to create this thirst-quenching pick-me-upwards. Raspberries deepen the tea'south vibrant crimson colour, making the drinks a pretty addition to your tabular array. —Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington

Rhubarb Berry Upside-Down Block

I had leftover rhubarb and wanted to create something fresh. With blueberries, strawberries and dried cranberries on hand, I discovered I had a berry upside-downward cake. —June Paul, Portage, Wisconsin

Rhubarbecue

This simmered sauce is a roller-coaster ride for your tongue. Information technology'south a wonderful blend of complex flavors that goes with whatsoever meat. — Rd Stendel-Freels, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Rhubarb Swirl Cheesecake

I dearest cheesecake and my husband loves chocolate, so this is a favorite dessert of ours. The rhubarb adds a tartness that complements the sweet flavors so well.—Carol Witczak, Tinley Park, Illinois

Rhubarb-Filled Cookies

I won a blue ribbon at our local fair for these tender cookies. They're so pretty with the cherry-ruby-red filling peeking through the dough. Try making these special cookies and watch the smiles appear. —Pauline Bondy, 1000 Forks, North Dakota

Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

This tangy Strawberry Rhubarb Jam recipe is a favorite with my family. They'll put it on almost anything, merely especially similar information technology on muffins or buttermilk biscuits. —Deb Kooistra, Kitchener, Ontario

Rhubarb Upside-Down Block

I've baked this cake every spring for many years, and my family loves it! Use your own fresh rhubarb, hit up a farmers market or notice a neighbor who will merchandise stalks for the recipe! —Helen Breman, Mattydale, New York

Dijon-Rubbed Pork with Rhubarb Sauce

This tender pork loin roast served with a rhubarb-orangish sauce is simply delicious! Here'due south an excellent choice for company—information technology makes a memorable repast. —Marilyn Rodriguez, Sparks, Nevada

Rhubarb Scones

My grandfather grows rhubarb and gives us a generous supply. The tartness is similar to a cranberry—perfect for tossing into a scone. —Danielle Lee, Sewickley, Pennsylvania

Refreshing Rhubarb Water ice Cream

No matter where my military family unit is stationed, this ice cream e'er makes me think of my parents' backyard rhubarb patch in Rochester, New York. —Rachel Garcia, Honolulu, Hawaii

Strawberry/Rhubarb Crumb Pie

Everyone seems to have a rhubarb patch here in Maine. This pie won first prize at our church fair; I promise it's a winner at your firm, likewise! —Paula Phillips, E Winthrop, Maine

Strawberry-Rhubarb Flip Cake

My friend Dave e'er brought two strawberry rhubarb cakes to work to celebrate his altogether. He'd utilise up rhubarb growing in the yard and treat his co-workers. —Charlene Schwartz, Maple Manifestly, Minnesota

Rhubarb Fool with Strawberries

A fool is a archetype British and Irish dessert that's usually made with whipped foam and cooked fruit. Endeavour my quick version with rhubarb and berries. —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado

Blueberry Rhubarb Country Tart

When the rhubarb comes in, mix it with blueberries for a rustic and bubbly tart. Offer information technology to a friend with a warm cup of tea. —Jeanne Ambrose, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Peach Rhubarb Jam

This quick jam is easy to make, especially for commencement jam makers. It also makes a great souvenir for friends and family unit! —Darlene Desotel, Monona, Iowa

Rhubarb Cheesecake Squares

It's rhubarb season, then now's the time to try this rich and tangy cheese bar. Information technology's bound to be a hit with the rhubarb lovers you know. —Sharon Schmidt, Mandan, North Dakota

Rhubarb Berry Cheesecake Pie

My grandparents grew a ton of stuff in their garden, including rhubarb and strawberries. We typically baked it into pies and cobblers, merely then Mom constitute this recipe and it became a fresh, new favorite. —LeeAnn McCue, Charlotte, North Carolina

Gluten-Free Rhubarb Bars

Nothing tastes similar spring more than rhubarb and strawberry. The crust and crumb topping on these bars are then tasty, nobody will know they're eating gluten-free. —Lisa Wilson, Virginia, Minnesota

Pineapple-Rhubarb Jam

Rhubarb, pineapple and strawberry make an awesome jam that brings back memories of living on a farm and growing my own rhubarb. —Debbi Barate, Seward, Pennsylvania

Rhubarb Pork Chop Casserole

The usual reaction to this casserole is that it'southward a squeamish mix of sweet and tart—and an unusual use of rhubarb! I similar rhubarb, just I'm non a dessert person. I always thought pies and cobblers shouldn't be the merely ways to enjoy it. —Jeanie Brush, Decatur, Illinois

Rhubarb Strawberry Cobbler

Mom's yummy cobbler is a truly wonderful finale to any meal. This family favorite is sweet and tart, clogged of berries and rhubarb, and the thick crust is and then easy to make. —Susan Emery, Everett, Washington

Rhubarb Bread

This is quite a good bread - our family really enjoys it! It's also very quick and easy to fix, once yous accept the rhubarb diced. —Grace Capen, Sacramento, California

Apple tree Rhubarb Crumb Pie

My family unit and friends always ask for my apple rhubarb pie for birthdays and get-togethers. Everyone loves the unique flavor that the rhubarb adds to this pie. —Sherri Moon, Decatur, Indiana.

Slow-Cooker Rhubarb Strawberry Sauce

We recently started growing our own rhubarb, and we live in a part of Oregon where strawberries are plentiful. I created this to drizzle over ice foam and filled a crisp with the remainder. —Kim Banick, Salem, Oregon

Perfect Rhubarb Pie

Zippo hides the tangy rhubarb in this lovely pie, which has simply the right residue of sweet and tart. Serving this dessert is a nice manner to gloat the end of winter! — Ellen Benninger, Greenville, Pennsylvania

Rhubarb Marmalade

My daughter makes this marmalade every spring when rhubarb'due south arable. Our family unit enjoys her souvenir…a refreshing departure in flavor from all the berry jams and jellies. —Leo Nerbonne, Delta Juction, Alaska

Rhubarb Mandarin Crisp

An bonny dessert, this crisp is also a pop breakfast dish at our business firm, served with a glass of milk rather than topped with ice cream. Because it calls for lots of rhubarb, it's a peachy utilize for the compensation you harvest. —Rachael Vandendool, Barry's Bay, Ontario

Rhubarb Berry Coffee Cake

I rely on a cake mix to speed the prep for this moist streusel-topped dessert that pairs tart rhubarb with sweetness strawberries. Information technology's swell all by itself, but feel free to add some frosting or ice cream. —Jackie Heyer, Cushing, Iowa

Rosy Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake

Here's a block that gets its rosy hue from the rhubarb topping. Information technology's moist on top and light as a feather on the bottom. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

Rhubarb Ketchup

I received this recipe from a friend about 15 years ago. It's a nice surprise for ketchup lovers, and then easy to prepare. The spicy flavor makes this one of the tastiest ketchups I've ever had! —Faith McLillian, Rawdon, Quebec

Winnie's Mini Rhubarb & Strawberry Pies

Every spring, nosotros had strawberries and rhubarb on our farm outside Seattle. These fruity hand pies remind me of those times and of Grandma Winnie'south baking. —Shawn Carleton, San Diego, California

Rhubarb Fool with Strawberries

A fool is a classic British and Irish gaelic dessert that's usually fabricated with whipped cream and cooked fruit. Endeavor my quick version with rhubarb and berries. —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado

Strawberry-Rhubarb Water ice Pops

These cool, creamy pops are a deliciously different way to use upward the bounty from your rhubarb patch. —Donna Linihan, Moncton, New Brunswick

Rhubarb Mallow Cobbler

My mom used to make this cobbler every yr when I was growing up. Now we have fresh rhubarb to my son in Texas then he can share this recipe with his family. —Judy Kay Warwick, Webster City, Iowa

Rhubarb Citrus Punch

Rhubarb grows abundantly in our large subcontract garden. I'll make this punch for summertime gatherings or for special occasions with our extended family unit. —Ina Frey, St. Clemens, Ontario

Raspberry Rhubarb Jam

I love making and enjoying this jam, but I usually end up giving most of it abroad! Information technology'southward ever a well-received gift. —LaVonne Van Hoff, Rockwell Metropolis, Iowa

Caramel Rhubarb Cobbler

I came upwardly with this recipe after hearing a friend fondly recall his grandmother'due south rhubarb dumplings. My son especially likes rhubarb, and this old-fashioned dessert lets those special stalks star. -Beverly Shebs, Pinehurst, Due north Carolina

Buttery Rhubarb Baklava

I similar to take treats to my co-workers at the nursery/gift shop where I piece of work. When rhubarb season arrives, I make this rich, sweet baklava then I can share the fruits of my garden. —Sue Bolsinger, Anchorage, Alaska

Apple-Rhubarb Bread

Rhubarb is such a jewel that I freeze it to take all year. Here's how my mother used rhubarb – in an apple bread spiced with cinnamon. —Linda Tom, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Kokosnoot Cheesecake & Rhubarb Compote

I took my girl'due south love of cheesecake plus my mom's dearest of coconut and rhubarb and ran with it. Attempt it with a smidge of chocolate sauce, too. —Wendy Rusch, Trego, Wisconsin

Flavorful Strawberry-Rhubarb Jam

I consider this sweet flavorful jam summer in a jar! The fruity concoction is merely scrumptious spread on sandwiches, toast, English muffins and more than. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin

Winning Rhubarb-Strawberry Pie

While being raised on a farm I often ate rhubarb, then it's natural for me to use it in a pie. I prefer to utilize lard for the flaky pie crust and thin, carmine rhubarb stalks for the filling. These 2 piffling secrets helped this recipe win top honors at the 2013 Iowa State Fair. —Marianne Carlson, Jefferson, Iowa

English Rhubarb Crumble

When I met my English married man and served him just the crumble, he said it was fantastic merely really needed a custard sauce over it. We found a terrific sauce recipe from England, and now the pair is perfect together. I wouldn't serve it any other style. —Amy Freeman, Cave Creek, Arizona

Rhubarb Jelly

I aid help my married man with the pouring and skimming for this jelly—my own personal favorite. It'south prissy as both a breakfast spread and a topping for pork or other meat. —Jean Coleman, Ottawa, Ontario

Rhu-drupe Pie

I melt in a coffee shop, so I'k e'er looking for new and unique pies to serve my customers. The combination of blueberries and rhubarb in this recipe defenseless my center and it was an instant best-seller. —Karen Dougherty, Freeport, Illinois

Shortcake with Fresh Rhubarb Sauce

Every jump when her rhubarb was ready, my mother in law chopped it upwardly for this moist cake. If your rhubarb is also tart for the sauce, merely add in some strawberries. —Rena McCalment, Sharpsville, Indiana

Rhubarb Oat Bars

These chewy rhubarb bars provide simply the right corporeality of tartness and sweet. They are just unbeatable! —Renette Cressey, Fort Manufacturing plant, South Carolina

Rhubarb Compote with Yogurt & Almonds

My Grandma Dot used to brand rhubarb compote and always had some in the freezer when I came to visit. This breakfast is a tribute to her. No 2 stalks of rhubarb are exactly alike, so make sure to gustatory modality the compote before you chill information technology. It should exist tart, but sometimes information technology needs a fiddling actress sugar. —Michael Hoffman, Brooklyn, New York

Slow-Cooked Strawberry Rhubarb Sauce

This tart and tangy fruit sauce is excellent over pound cake or water ice cream. I accept served this topping many times and have gotten rave reviews from friends and family unit. —Judith Wasman, Harkers Island, North Carolina

Almond Rhubarb Cobbler

In bound, I frequently make this tangy biscuit-topped treat.—Pat Habiger, Spearville, Kansas

Spinach Salad with Rhubarb Dressing

Spinach salad is excellent with this tangy topping, which really perks it upwardly. A friend shared a similar salad dressing recipe with me and I modified it a bit. The rhubarb adds rosy color and mouthwatering flavor.—Twila Mitchell, Lindsborg, Kansas

Ricotta Scones with Rhubarb-Orange Compote

Eaten warm with a dollop of fruit compote, these scones are a little piece of sky. If serving to guests, be prepared to share the recipe. —Marilyn Rodriguez, Fairbanks, Alaska

Rhubarb-Blueberry Crumble

Rhubarb and strawberry often become together, simply blueberries requite rhubarb a fresh and summery touch. — Mike Schulz, Tawas Metropolis, Michigan

Rhubarb Raisin Marmalade

At a retreat in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, I sampled a marmalade combining rhubarb and raisins. I loved it then much that I went abode and tried to duplicate it. I added the strawberries to brand the marmalade fifty-fifty sweeter. —Carmen Constrict, Airdrie, Alberta

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