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Discover the fascinating world of rhubarb: 14 varieties and their unique characteristics
With its bright and tangy stalks, rhubarb is a popular spring vegetable that has been enjoyed for centuries. While it is commonly used in baked goods such as cakes and crumbles, rhubarb offers a wide range of flavours, colours and sizes in its different varieties. In this comprehensive guide, we take a deep dive into the world of rhubarb, exploring 14 different varieties and what sets them apart. So let’s embark on this flavourful journey together!
1. Victoria Rhubarb: Fit for a Queen
As the name suggests, Victoria Rhubarb pays homage to Queen Victoria, the iconic British monarch. This variety is characterised by its bright red, thick and tender stems. It is a popular choice for dessert recipes and baking creations. Victoria rhubarb thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8, making it suitable for a wide geographical range. Its large, juicy stems are perfect for pies, jams and sauces.
2. Holsteiner Blut: A deep red delight
Holsteiner Blut, also known as ‘Holsteiner Blut’, is a rhubarb variety with a striking deep red colour. This captivating hue is the result of high levels of anthocyanins, natural antioxidants known for their beneficial effects on high blood pressure. With its juiciness and sweetness, Holsteiner Blut is an excellent choice for baking, particularly in strawberry rhubarb pies and sorbets. Its USDA plant hardiness zones range from 7 to 9 for annuals and 3 to 6 for perennials.
3. Timperley Early: An early season wonder
True to its name, Timperley Early ripens earlier in the season than other rhubarb varieties. This hardy variety can be harvested as early as February, especially if forced. With pink stalks that turn green and freckle near the broad leaves, Timperley Early is a delight to look at. It thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 to 9 and can reach heights of up to two feet. The sweet and succulent stems of Timperley Early make it a fantastic addition to dishes such as oatmeal, crumbles and pies.
4. German Wine: Rhubarb for wine lovers
If you’re an avid wine lover, German Wine Rhubarb could be the perfect choice for you. This variety has thick, sweet and juicy red stems that are ideal for canning, pie making, jam making and even wine making. Making wine from rhubarb is a slightly different process to making wine from grapes, as tannins need to be added to achieve the desired characteristics. German Wine Rhubarb thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 8.
5. Frambozen Rood: Sweetness in every stem
Frambozen Rood, which means ‘raspberry red’ in Dutch, lives up to its name with a sweet and aromatic experience. This variety is often used to make nectar, which can be enjoyed on its own or blended into refreshing summer drinks. Rich in vitamins and minerals, including calcium, rhubarb nectar is a healthy and delicious option. Frambozen Rood grows best in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 to 9 and provides a generous supply of nectar year-round.
6. KangaRhu: A heat-tolerant wonder
KangaRhu is a recently bred rhubarb variety known for its heat tolerance. Developed by Gurney’s Seed and Nursery Company, this unique variety resists bolting, allowing extended harvesting into the summer months. With its deep red stems and green leaves, KangaRhu adds a vibrant colour to any dish. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8 and can be used in a variety of culinary creations, from baked goods to compotes and salads.
7. Grandpa’s favourite: A compact and versatile rhubarb
Grandad’s Favorite has earned its name by being a popular choice for both gardening competitions and culinary endeavours. This compact variety of rhubarb stands about three feet tall and spreads three feet wide, making it suitable for container gardening. With its frost-hardy nature and early spring ripening, Grandpa’s Favorite offers a range of uses in cooking, baking and drinks. Its crinkled dark green leaves add visual texture and, if left unharvested, it will produce impressive panicles of flowers in the summer.
8. Crimson Cherry: Bold colour and flavour
Crimson Cherry is a variety of rhubarb known for its thick, ruby red stalks that turn a bright pink when cooked. This visually striking variety adds a pop of colour to any dish and is often used in desserts and preserves. With a tart, slightly sweet flavour, Crimson Cherry Rhubarb complements a variety of fruits and can be an excellent addition to pies, cobblers and compotes. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8 and is a delightful choice for both culinary and ornamental purposes.
9. Glaskin’s Perpetual: A perennial wonder
Glaskin’s Perpetual is a unique variety of rhubarb that stands out for its everbearing nature. Unlike most rhubarb, which is harvested in the spring, Glaskin’s Perpetual produces stems throughout the growing season. This means you can enjoy its tangy flavour and bright red stalks from spring to autumn. It is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8 and can be used in a variety of culinary applications including jams, jellies and sauces.
10. MacDonald: hardy and reliable
MacDonald rhubarb is a hardy and reliable variety that can withstand harsh weather conditions. With its sturdy stems and large leaves, MacDonald is an attractive addition to any garden. It thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 8, making it suitable for a wide range of climates. MacDonald Rhubarb is known for its tart flavour, making it an excellent choice for pies, crisps and other baked goods.
11. Valentine’s Day: A Sweetheart Rhubarb
Valentine rhubarb lives up to its name with a delightful combination of sweetness and tartness. This variety has slender, bright red stems that are tender and flavourful. Perfect for those who prefer a milder taste, Valentine’s rhubarb can be enjoyed raw or cooked. It thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 8 and can be used in a variety of culinary creations such as sauces, compotes and even salads.
12. MacDonald’s Canadian Red: Vibrant and versatile
MacDonald’s Canadian Red is a vibrant variety of rhubarb with bright red stalks. This versatile variety is suitable for both culinary and decorative purposes. Its tart flavour adds a tangy twist to pies, crumbles and preserves. MacDonald’s Canadian Red thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8 and is a reliable choice for gardeners looking to add colour and flavour to their crops.
13. Early Red: A quick ripening delight
As the name suggests, Early Red rhubarb is one of the earliest varieties to ripen in the growing season. This fast-growing variety produces bright red stalks with a pleasantly tart flavour. Early Red is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8 and can be harvested as early as spring. Its quick maturity makes it an excellent choice for gardeners who want to enjoy the joys of rhubarb as soon as possible.
14. Raspberry Red: A burst of flavour
Raspberry Red Rhubarb lives up to its name with a burst of fruity flavour reminiscent of ripe raspberries. This variety has bright red stalks that add visual appeal to any dish. With its balance of sweetness and tartness, Raspberry Red Rhubarb is a versatile option for both culinary and beverage creations. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8 and can be used in pies, crumbles, jams and refreshing summer drinks.
Explore the world of rhubarb
The world of rhubarb becomes even more fascinating with these 14 unique varieties, each with its own distinctive characteristics. From the bright red stems of Victoria and Holsteiner Blut to the early maturity of Timperley Early and the sweetness of Frambozen Rood, there’s a rhubarb to suit every taste and culinary preference.
Whether you’re an avid baker, a fan of tangy flavours or simply enjoy adding a splash of colour to your garden, rhubarb offers a delightful range of possibilities. So the next time you embark on a rhubarb-inspired culinary adventure, consider the unique qualities of these 14 varieties and let your creativity run wild in the kitchen. From cakes and crumbles to jams and refreshing drinks, rhubarb’s versatility knows no bounds.
Remember, when working with rhubarb, it’s important to appreciate its sour nature and balance it with sweetness or pair it with sweeter fruits for a harmonious flavour profile. Also, be careful not to consume the poisonous leaves and focus only on the edible and delicious stems.
Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of these 14 varieties of rhubarb, go out and explore the wonderful world of this vibrant and versatile plant.
FAQS
The article covers 14 different types of rhubarb, including Victoria, Holsteiner Blut, Timperley Early, German Wine, Frambozen Rood, KangaRhu, Grandad’s Favorite, Crimson Cherry, Glaskin’s Perpetual, MacDonald, Valentine, MacDonald’s Canadian Red, Early Red and Raspberry Red.
What makes Victoria Rhubarb different?
Victoria rhubarb is characterised by its bright red, thick and tender stems. Named after Queen Victoria, it is popular in dessert and baking recipes. It is suitable for a wide geographical area and is known for its large, juicy stems.
Which variety of rhubarb is ideal for winemaking?
German Wine Rhubarb is known for its thick, sweet and juicy red stems, making it an excellent choice for making wine. The process of making wine from rhubarb requires the addition of tannins to achieve the desired characteristics.
Which variety of rhubarb ripens early in the season?
Timperley Early is a variety of rhubarb that ripens earlier in the season than other varieties. It can be harvested as early as February, especially if forced. With pink stalks that turn green and freckle near the leaves, Timperley Early is a delight to look at.
What is unique about Glaskin’s Perpetual Rhubarb?
Glaskin’s Perpetual is a unique variety of rhubarb known for its everbearing nature. It produces stalks throughout the growing season, allowing continuous harvesting from spring to autumn. This sets it apart from other rhubarb varieties that are typically harvested in the spring.
Which rhubarb variety offers a burst of fruity flavour?
Raspberry Red Rhubarb offers a burst of fruity flavour reminiscent of ripe raspberries. Its bright red stalks add visual appeal to any dish, and its balance of sweetness and tartness makes it a versatile option for culinary and beverage creations.