Rhubarb is 95 percent water and contains a fair source of potassium, contributes minor amounts of vitamins, and is low in sodium.

One cup diced Rhubarb contains about 26 calories.

Rhubarb's crisp sour stalks are rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber and calcium, although the calcium is combined with oxalic acid and so is not easily absorbed by the body.

Rhubarb is somewhat acidic but in most recipes this is normally offset by sugar.

Wash and remove any blemished areas. Cut off the pulpy ends. Cut into 1/2-inch strips or 1/2-inch cubes. To decrease some of the acidity in the Rhubarb (and reduce the amount of sugar needed to sweeten), pour boiling water over the pieces and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes. Drain. A characteristic of the dried product will be brittle.

Rhubarb nutritional information per 2/3 cup (85g):
Calories 20
Calories from fat 0 %
Total Fat 0
Saturated Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 0 mg
Total Carbohydrate 4 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g
Sugars 1 g
Protein 1 g

Believe it or not, the most common use of rhubarb is medicinal. Rhubarb has been used in medicines and folk healing for centuries.

Among the most common medicinal uses are a laxative, antiphlogistic, homeostatic in the treatment of constipation, diarrhea, jaundice, gastro-intestinal hemorrhage, menstrual disorders, conjunctivitis, traumatic injuries, superficial suppurative sores and ulcers. It is also applied externally for thermal burns.

Rhubarb Root

Rhubarb Root has a purgative action for use in the treatment of constipation, but also has an astringent effect following this. It therefore has a truly cleansing action in the gut, removing debris and then astringing with antiseptic properties. Note: Rhubarb Root may color the urine yellow or red.

Preparation and Dosage Decoction: put l/2 to l teaspoonful of rhubarb root in a cup of water. Bring to a boil and simmer gently for 10 minutes.This should be drunk morning and evening. Tincture: take 1 to 2ml of the tincture three times a day.

Rhubarb when raw is so tough
And its leaves contain poisonous stuff,
But when cleaned and de-soiled
Dipped in sugar and boiled
Then the stalks are quite tasty enough.

Rhubarb Orange Crepes

See also:
Rhubarb Cake
Rhubarb Slush
Rhubarb Blueberry Jam
Rhubarb Cherry Jelly
Rhubarb Cookies
Light Rhubarb Bread
Low Carb Rhubarb Cheesecake

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