Can you Freeze Rhubarb? – How to Freeze Rhubarb – How Long Does Rhubard Last?

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Can you Freeze Rhubarb?: If you are a fan of the crunchy pink stalks, that are famously known as Rhubarb, then this article is the perfect one for you. One can simply never resist the sour and tangy flavor of rhubarb, so we understand if you are looking for a way to preserve it.

Rhubarb can definitely be preserved, but are you wondering how? Well, we are going to explain all about this in this article. So, stick around to find out how you can freeze rhubarb, how long you can freeze it, how to defrost it, and much more!

Can you Freeze Rhubarb

Can you Freeze Rhubarb?

Yep! Rhubarb can definitely be frozen so you can get to enjoy its flavor for a long time. You will learn how to freeze rhubarb in the next few paragraphs, with the help of our simple and step-by-step guide. In addition, we will also be answering many of your burning questions about freezing rhubarb so continue reading until the end.

Is It Possible to Freeze Rhubarb Dishes?

It may sound weird, but rhubarb is actually used in a variety of yummy dishes such as pies, crumbles, crisps, and compotes. Rhubarb is actually the perfect ingredient that brings a delicious tart flavor to most desserts.

If you wish to free your rhubarb compote, you definitely can by freezing the dish in smaller portions in an ice cube tray and wrapping it in a sheet of plastic wrap.

On the other hand, rhubarb pies can easily be frozen as long as you envelop the pie in clingfilm and then in a sheet of tin foil before you pop it into the freezer. Follow this same method when you freeze rhubarb crumbles as well!

You can freeze most rhubarb dishes, but the most important thing to keep in mind is to wrap it tightly and ensure that it is airtight inside the freezer. After taking out the rhubarb dishes from the freezer, you can choose to set them inside the fridge to defrost, and then reheat it in the oven.

How Long Does Rhubard Last in The Freezer?

Raw rhubarb can be frozen for up to 12 months if you store it properly. But, if you are freezing a rhubarb dish, then we would suggest freezing it for only up to 3 months, after which the quality and taste would rapidly deteriorate, or the dish would even become spoiled.

If you wish to use up your rhubarb within the first few weeks, then you can simply store it in the fridge. But you can only do this for approximately 3 weeks. This method will only be safe if you refrigerate rhubarb that is not peeled yet.

Guide to Freezing Rhubarb

Here is a detailed method that you can follow to freeze your rhubarb with ease.

  • Cut the rhubarb: Start by snipping the rhubarb into smaller pieces that are approximately 1 inch long when measured. This will make it easier to store the rhubarb as well as defrost the right amount when necessary.
  • Blanching: This step is optional, but we would suggest that you blanch your rhubarb before freezing it to prevent your rhubarb from losing its texture and taste. To do so, just plop your rhubarb pieces into boiling water for about a minute. Then, take out the rhubarb from the boiling water. The last step is to end the cooking process by pouring cold water on the rhubarb pieces.
  • Flash freeze: To avoid the rhubarb pieces sticking together, all you have to do is line a baking tray with a sheet and arrange the rhubarb pieces onto the tray. Make sure they do not touch each other, and then set the tray in the freezer for about 3 to 4 hours, and take it out afterward.
  • Freeze completely: Pop off the rhubarb pieces from the tray and put them into a freezer-safe airtight bag. Seal the bag tightly and put it back into the freezer.

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Easiest Method to Defrost Rhubarb

The best way to thaw your frozen rhubarb is by shifting it from the freezer to the fridge and leaving it there to defrost overnight. You can then take the rhubarb out and use it in the morning.

But for the most part, dishes like jams, crumbles, compotes, sauces, and others, do not require the frozen rhubarb to be thawed. You can simply take the rhubarb out of the freezer and throw it into your cooking or stewing, and all’s good! The heat from the cooking will automatically thaw the frozen rhubarb.

If you want to add your frozen rhubarb to a rhubarb crumble, then you can skip the defrosting process and just set the crumble in your oven, for about 50 minutes at 180°C. Just ensure that the middle portion is steaming hot and that the top part is nice and crunchy for the perfect crumble.

Can You Freeze Rhubarb More Than Once?

Remember that the more your rhubarb goes through the freezing and thawing process, the mushier it gets. It starts to lose its crunchy texture and iconic sour flavor. While it is technically safe to refreeze rhubarb, we do not recommend it because who wants to eat mushy and unpleasant rhubarb?

If you wish to use the refrozen rhubarb for rhubarb stew, then you will not notice the mushy texture, so in this case, it is okay to freeze your rhubarb more than once. But in most other cases, we do not recommend refreezing rhubarb.

Exciting Facts About Rhubarb

  • Rich in vitamin K, which is an important nutrient that aids in the clotting of blood, as well as strengthening bones, thus reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
  • Great source of antioxidants that protect the body against cell damage caused by free radicals. This effect can prevent premature aging and some kinds of cancer.
  • Contains fiber that keeps the cholesterol levels low in our body. This can reduce the onset of heart disease, and keeps the heart healthy.
  • Apart from the heart, fiber also impacts our digestive system by providing natural laxatives such as sennosides. These compounds help you avoid constipation.
  • Rhubarb also has anti-inflammatory properties due to its concentration of antioxidants.

FAQs on Can you Freeze Rhubarb

1. Does rhubarb freeze well?

Yes, rhubarb freezes well.

2. What is the best way to freeze fresh rhubarb?

Trim the rhubarb stalks and remove the leaves. Slice the rhubarb into thick pieces and spread them on a baking sheet. Transfer the pieces into a freezer-safe bag, seal, and label. Store them in the freezer for 1 year.

3. Does rhubarb get mushy after freezing?

Rhubarb gets mushy once the frozen fruit is thawed.

4. Is frozen rhubarb as good as fresh?

Yes, frozen rhubarb is good as fresh in some recipes like jam, crisps, muffins, pies, and cobblers.

Key Takeaways

Well, this article has covered everything that it possibly could about freezing rhubarb, and hopefully, you have learned a lot about the process. As you can see, it is very easy to freeze rhubarb, and it takes only a few minutes to do it right.

If you are interested in learning about more foods and how to freeze them, then do check out canyoupreserve.com for more articles like this one.

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