How To Make Rhubarb Sauce At Home

Rhubarb is one of the most amazing treats during spring and early summers. The long stalks represent the vegetable family. However, in 1947 the U.S courts listed it as a fruit because of its appearance as a dessert. But that is not the point here. Rhubarb has a tart and tangy taste that makes it ideal for combining it with sweeter fruits, such as strawberries, and transforming it into cakes and pies.

While everyone loves a good old gooey rhubarb pie, there is always room for experiment. Enter rhubarb sauce! It is one of the easiest and quickest ways to modify a versatile dessert from the rhubarb stalk. Rhubarb sauce is easily customizable, delicious when spooned over yogurt, poured over ice cream, added to oatmeal, and the list can go on. Here’s how you can go from a rhubarb stalk to sauce in 30 minutes or less!

How to Make Homemade Rhubarb Sauce?

Transforming rhubarb stalks into a beautiful and creamy condiment is a super fun kitchen activity. It is a delectable summer treat and makes for a lovely and delicious dessert. Follow the steps below for a mind-blowing treat.

• There are plenty of rhubarb varieties available – from bright pink to dark green. Although the color does not represent the flavor, you can easily use either of them as per your preference.
• Simmer the rhubarb with little water and sugar until it becomes soft. To add a punch, try apple juice or another fluid besides water to make it interesting.
• Once the rhubarb is soft and the sauce is creamy, serve it as it is or use an immersion blender to make it into a puree.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chopped rhubarb frozen or fresh
• 1/2 cup of water
• 2 cup granulated sugar [3]
• 2 tbsp cornstarch [4]
• 2 tbsp water

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, add rhubarb, 1/2 cup water, and granulated sugar. Let it simmer over a medium-high flame and then reduce to medium-low.
2. Simmer for about five minutes until rhubarb is tender. With an immersion blender, puree it, or mash it with a potato masher if desired. Taste and check if additional sugar is required.
3. Now, combine equal parts of water and cornstarch and stir into the hot sauce, whisking it continuously until it thickens. Continue adding cornstarch mixture until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.

Serve it warm or refrigerate until chilled.

Notes

• Try different variations with strawberries, cherries, or blueberries.
• You can substitute frozen rhubarb for fresh rhubarb.

How to Use Rhubarb Sauce?

• The most basic way to use a rhubarb stalk is as a condiment. You can use the sauce in the following ways:
• Ice cream topping
• Layered with yogurt for a yummy parfait
• Muffin fillings
• Serve as a dessert with whipped cream
• As a spread for scones

Health Benefits of Rhubarb

Let’s see how the nutrients add up to the long list of health benefits that rhubarb imparts!

May Aid in Weight Loss

Rhubarb is one of the vegetables with low calories and it is often recommended for people who are struggling to lose weight but still want to remain healthy. 100 grams of the plant contains 21 calories, so feel free to load up on it without packing on any pounds. Additionally, the fiber helps you feel full faster which may further reduce total caloric intake and promote weight loss. A study published in the Journal of Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine showed that compounds in rhubarb may help gastric emptying which may promote weight loss.

May Help Keep Your Heart Healthy

The fiber present in rhubarb stalks can be helpful in lowering cholesterol levels. In an animal study published in the Nutrition Research journal, it was found that rhubarb can help in regulating cholesterol levels even if you eat a moderately cholesterol-enriched diet.

May Aid in Digestion

The possibly high amount of dietary fiber found in rhubarb may guarantee a healthy digestive system by bulking up the stool, making sure that bowel movements are smooth and regular. Also, it has traditionally been used as a cure for constipation but was only recently discovered why. By easing constipation and other digestive issues, rhubarb may help prevent a wide range of more serious gastrointestinal disorders, which include bloating and cramping.

May Have Anti-Alzheimer’s Effects

According to a study published in the Brain Research Bulletin journal, rhubarb glucoside compound rhaponticin protects the body against Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, in vitro results show the positive effect of rhaponticin in preventing the harmful effects of amyloid-beta that are crucial in the formation of senile plaques. Based on this study, it is suggested that rhaponticin could possibly be developed as an agent for the management of Alzheimer’s disease.

May Improve Bone Health

Rhubarb is a good source of vitamin K that is associated with promoting osteotropic activity, meaning that it stimulates bone growth and repair. Combined with the potentially rich amount of calcium and other minerals found in rhubarb, the vegetable as a whole is a major player in bone protection.