Mystery Fruit: Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a funny fruit.  It is generally the color of a beautiful glass of Cabernet, yet looks like a cousin of celery or a stalk of bamboo!  

For a fruit, it is also rather tart and certainly not into which you'll just take a bite.  Rhubarb is a good source of fiber (part of why it's literally so tough to chew,) and contains antioxidant properties, is a good source of vitamins K and C, and can help lower cholesterol. 

So now that you know how to find it, and why it's good for you, how can you enjoy it?

As rhubarb can deliver such a strong punch of flavor, it's best paired with something sweet.  Strawberry-rhubarb pie is a commonly found fall and winter dessert, but you can also cook some up with apples for Thanksgiving as an alternative to cranberry sauce.  Rhubarb is also a great base for jam.  What ever you do, be sure to bake it or cook it before consuming some.  Even if you want to try it in a smoothie, pour some boiling water over it first to tenderize the stalks.