Discover the Zesty World of Rhubarb: Top 5 Fun Facts You Never Knew!

1. Stalks Seeking Love, Leaves Toxic

If rhubarb had a dating profile, it might say "stalks seeking a sweet connection, but leaves are absolutely toxic": Turns out, only the stems of the rhubarb plant are deemed edible, while the leaves pack a poisonous punch of oxalic acid! Still, rhubarb remains a popular item from January to August in the US, sourced mainly from Washington, Michigan, and California. To pick the finest of the bunch, look out for U.S. Fancy, U.S. No. 1, or U.S. No. 2 grades - determined by factors like color, freshness, tenderness, cleanliness, and size - in order to provide quality ingredients for your recipes with no unwanted surprises.
Source => ams.usda.gov

2. Rhubarb's Dessert Party Invitation

From root to roof, quite the tart affair: Joseph Myatt was the hero of the 19th century, turning rhubarb from a cranky old medicine man into the life of the dessert party. No longer just for ancient Roman stomachaches, rhubarb started getting invited to dessert soirees like tarts and pies, all thanks to Myatt's ingenious rebranding!
Source => highaltituderhubarb.com

Did you know there's a rare strawberry variety that tastes like pineapple? Meet the Pineberry, a white, speckled fruit with a unique flavor that'll leave you craving for more! 🍓🍍

=> Fun Facts about Strawberries

3. Pink Stalks Shine, Green Leaves Frown

Goodbye green, hello pink – rhubarb leaves aren't just green with envy as uninvited guests to the dinner table; it's their lethal levels of oxalic acid that make them persona non grata on our plates: But fear not, it's only the leafy uppers that are the party poopers, with the stalks taking center stage in culinary circles, earning praise for their delightfully tangy performance.
Source => healthline.com

4. Rhubarb's Veggie Courtroom Drama

When rhubarb went to court, they didn’t get the fruity ending they hoped for: In a bizarre 1947 case, the Customs Court had to determine whether the import of rhubarb from Canada should be classified as a fruit or vegetable, ultimately deciding that despite its scrumptious presence in pies and sauces, rhubarb was in fact an "other vegetable" under Heading 0709 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.
Source => barnesrichardson.com

5. Sumner's Rhubarb Fest Extravaganza

Feeling a stalk of inspiration and hankering for some rhubarb antics? Sumner, Washington is the place to foliage your dreams: Their annual Rhubarb Days event features a live-judged Rhubarb Bake-Off competition on Saturday, July 16th, where you can submit your best rhubarb-laden recipes, sample delightful treats, and even groove to the tunes of the Rhubarb Brothers Band.
Source => rhubarbpiecapital.com