It is difficult to find a vegetable that gives us several flavors at the same time. Rhubarb, in addition to keeping this characteristic, is a rich vegetable of spring red in color that brings great benefits to those who consume it with that flavor so rare that it leaves no one indifferent. Do you want to know more about this fascinating and surprising food? Stay with us to find out.
What is rhubarb?
El rhubarb is a edible plant who owns a sour and sweet taste at the same time. The consumed part of this food is the stem, because the leaves can cause serious poisoning by containing oxalic acid, a compound that inhibits the absorption of calcium.
It is something difficult to find in greengrocers in Spain, since its origin is Asian, specifically of China. There, at first, they used it exclusively with medicinal purposes, but later it was introduced in Great Britain and the United States, where it was fully integrated into their gastronomic culture, taking part in many dishes, especially pastries.
What are the benefits of this vegetable?
The multiple benefits provided by this plant, a relative of the celery, of pinkish and red tones, they are really incredible. First of all, you can help you prevent cardiovascular disease, for containing fibers that reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine. In ssecond place, is able to help you Also to regulate blood pressure and improve blood circulation, thanks to its antioxidants and the mineral potassium. And thirdly, strengthen your immune system, for being rich in selenium and vitamin C.
But not only that, but it also helps improve skin health, for being rich in vitamin A; promotes weight loss, since almost all its composition is water and it only contains 4,5 calories per 100 grams; Y relieves symptoms of menopause, thanks to molecules called phytosterols. Nutritionally, it is also a very interesting product, like most vegetables, although if you prepare it in compote a very high sugar content is created that you should not abuse.
Contraindications that you must take into account
As we have already mentioned it is important that do not eat the rhubarb leaves, as they can cause serious health problems. Even taking a dose of 10 to 25 g can be fatal. In addition, it is essential that do not put this vegetable in the freezer or in extremely cold places, since due to excessive high temperatures oxalic acid could migrate from the leaves to the stem. El rhubarb It is also contraindicated in children, pregnant women, infants and people with kidney problems.
How can you consume rhubarb?
Can be consumed raw, cooked, or added to recipes or to desserts such as cakes, cakes and jams. You can also create a magnificent rhubarb tea quickly and easily. You just need to put water and the stem of the product in a pot over high heat until it boils. Then lower the heat and let it cook for ten minutes and strain it.
Although, if you dare innovate a little more, we recommend the orange jelly with rhubarb. A delicious recipe in which you only need, in addition to the Chinese vegetable, sugar, orange peel, orange juice and water. To create it, the first step is to place all the ingredients in a boiling pot. Then lower the heat and cook for about 45 minutes. Finally, it only remains to pour the jelly and store it in the refrigerator until it is cold and ready to consume.
We hope that the rhubarb It is no longer a stranger to you and that from now on you dare to try it and enjoy its flavor and its great benefits. If you live in Spain it will cost you to get it, but if you travel to the United Kingdom, you have a better chance of tasting it. In addition, the harvest takes place from the end April until the end of June, so now is the best time to look for it and even to venture to plant it yourself. Above, his season coincides with that of strawberry, so you can create great recipes with the union of these two tasty red vegetables. Have you heard of this edible plant before? What dish would you get with it?
