Rhubarb is a perennial plant known for its tart and tangy flavor, commonly used in both sweet and savory dishes. The edible part of the rhubarb plant is the long, slender stalk, which is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is often cooked with sugar to balance its tartness, making it a popular ingredient in pies, crumbles, compotes, and jams.
What is rhubarb used for
Do you want to replace rhubarb in a specific recipe? Then continue to read here or jump to our quick top 5 substitutes for rhubarb section.
Rhubarb is a unique and versatile plant that is often used in both sweet and savory dishes. It has a distinctive tart flavor and a beautiful red or pink color, which makes it a popular ingredient in various recipes. Some of the most common uses of rhubarb include:
- Rhubarb Pie: The rhubarb tart is sweetened with sugar and baked in a flaky crust. Green apples are the best substitute for rhubarb as they provide a tart flavor and hold their shape when cooked, making them an excellent replacement for rhubarb in pie fillings.
- Rhubarb Crisp/Crumble: Similar to pie, rhubarb is often used in crisps or crumbles, where it’s mixed with sugar and topped with a crumbly mixture of flour, butter, and sugar, then baked until golden and bubbling. Here the best substitute is again green apples as they provide a tart flavor while maintaining their shape in a crumble, making them an excellent replacement for rhubarb.
- Rhubarb Compote: This recipe involves stewing chopped rhubarb with sugar until it softens into a tangy-sweet sauce usually used as a topping for yogurt, ice cream, pancakes, or even as a filling for pastries. Strawberries can replace rhubarb here as they add a hint of tartness and a pleasant sweetness when cooked down into a compote, making them a suitable alternative to rhubarb.
- Rhubarb Jam: Rhubarb’s unique tartness makes for an excellent jam, either on its own or combined with other fruits like strawberries or raspberries. Similar to the compote, strawberries add a hint of tartness making them a suitable replacement in jams.
- Rhubarb Sauce: Rhubarb sauce is made by cooking rhubarb with water and sugar until it breaks down into a saucy texture to use as a condiment for meats like pork or as a topping for desserts. Here, cranberries are an excellent choice giving the sauce a bright color.
- Rhubarb Muffins/Cakes: Rhubarb can be incorporated into muffins, cakes, and other baked goods to add a tangy twist and a burst of color. Strawberries offer a great choice keeping the tartness and moistness expected in rhubarb muffins.
- Rhubarb Cocktails: Rhubarb-infused syrups or muddled rhubarb can be used to create unique and refreshing cocktails. You can choose to replace it either with cranberries providing a tangy option or strawberries for a sweeter and tangy twist in cocktails.
- Rhubarb Chutney: Rhubarb chutney pairs well with savory dishes like roasted meats and cheese plates, adding a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy element. Here, green apples offer a tart flavor and hold their shape when cooked, making them a suitable replacement for rhubarb in chutney recipes.
- Rhubarb Salsa: Rhubarb salsa is a creative twist on traditional salsa, using diced rhubarb, tomatoes, onions, and spices for a refreshing and tangy accompaniment to chips or grilled meats. A solution would be to use tomatillos having a tangy flavor and a similar texture to rhubarb when diced.
- Rhubarb Ice Cream/Sorbet: Rhubarb can be used to create a delightful ice cream or sorbet flavor, balancing the sweetness with its natural tartness.
- Rhubarb BBQ Sauce: You can substitute Rhubarb with Tamarind Paste which has a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that can provide a similar tanginess to rhubarb in a BBQ sauce.
- Rhubarb and Chicken Stir-Fry: This dish can be changed by replacing rhubarb with pineapple adding a sweet and tangy flavor to stir-fry dishes that complements the chicken and vegetables.
Rhubarb is generally in season during the spring and early summer, so that’s the best time to find it fresh at farmers’ markets or grocery stores.
Top 8 Rhubarb Substitutes Quick Summary
| ✓ | Best for: Rhubarb Pie, Rhubarb Crisp/Crumble, Rhubarb Compote, Rhubarb Jam, Rhubarb Muffins/Cakes. Why: Green apples provide tartness and a slightly sweet flavor, making them a suitable replacement for rhubarb in many baked goods and desserts. |
| ✗ | The flavor may not be as tangy as rhubarb, and additional sugar might be needed to match rhubarb’s sweetness. |
| ✓ | Best for: Rhubarb Sauce, Rhubarb Chutney, Rhubarb Salsa. Why: Cranberries offer a similar tartness and can be cooked down into sauces and chutneys that complement savory dishes or add zing to appetizers. |
| ✗ | Strawberries have a softer texture than rhubarb when cooked, which may alter the overall consistency of the dish. |
| ✓ | Best for: Rhubarb Pie, Rhubarb Crisp/Crumble, Rhubarb Compote, Rhubarb Jam. Why: Strawberries add sweetness and a touch of tartness, making them a great pairing with other fruits in desserts and preserves. |
| ✗ | Cranberries are quite tart on their own and may require more sweetening than rhubarb in certain recipes. |
| ✓ | Best for: Rhubarb Sauce, Rhubarb Jam, Rhubarb Muffins/Cakes. Why: Gooseberries have a tart flavor similar to rhubarb and work well in jams and desserts where tartness is desired. |
| ✗ | Gooseberries can be difficult to find in some regions and may not be as readily available as other substitutes. |
| ✓ | Best for: Rhubarb Compote, Rhubarb Sauce, Rhubarb Cocktails. Why: Lemon juice or zest can provide a tangy element in recipes that call for a fruit-based compote or sauce. |
| ✗ | Flavor is quite different from rhubarb which may alter the taste of the dish. |
Best Substitutes for Rhubarb
1. GREEN APPLES
Green apples provide a tart and slightly sweet flavor, making them a versatile replacement for rhubarb in various dishes.
Note: Green apples may not match rhubarb’s vibrant color, and additional sugar might be needed to achieve the same level of sweetness.
Substitute for rhubarb in pies, crumbles, competes, muffins & chutneys
Green apples are an excellent substitute for rhubarb in most recipes, especially in desserts where their texture and tartness shine. Green apples can substitute rhubarb in pies, crumbles, compotes, muffins, and chutneys.
Nutritional Info: Green Apples vs Rhubarb
Comparing the nutritional information, green apples are higher in calories and carbohydrates compared to rhubarb. Green apples are also notably sweeter, containing more natural sugars. Rhubarb, on the other hand, is very low in calories and sugars but relatively higher in calcium and vitamin C.
- Calories: Around 52 kcal for green apples vs 21 kcal for rhubarb
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 14 grams in green apples vs 4.5 grams in rhubarb
- Fiber: About 2.4 grams for green apples vs 1.8 grams for rhubarb
- Sugar: Approximately 10.3 grams for the apples vs only 1.1. grams for rhubarb
- Vitamin C: About 4.6 mg in apples vs 8 mg in rhubarb
- Calcium: Rhubarb is high in calcium with 86mg (Green apples have only 6 mg)
2. STRAWBERRIES
Strawberries offer a pleasant blend of tartness and sweetness, making them a popular choice to replace rhubarb in many recipes.
Note: Strawberries have a softer texture when cooked compared to rhubarb, which might affect the overall consistency of certain dishes.
Substitute for rhubarb cheese in jams, competes, pies, muffins & crumbles
Strawberries work well in sweet dishes, especially when paired with other fruits or used in jams and desserts. Strawberries can substitute rhubarb in jams, compotes, pies, muffins, and crumbles.
Nutritional Info: Strawberries vs Rhubarb
Strawberries are particularly high in vitamin C, providing a significant amount that supports the immune system and acts as an antioxidant. They also contain a small amount of calcium, contributing to overall bone health.
- Calories: Around 32 kcal for strawberries vs 21 kcal for rhubarb
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 7.7 grams in strawberries vs 4.5 grams in rhubarb
- Fiber: About 2 grams for strawberries vs 1.8 grams for rhubarb
- Sugar: Approximately 4.9 grams for the strawberries vs only 1.1. grams for rhubarb
- Vitamin C: About 58.8 mg in strawberries vs 8 mg in rhubarb
- Calcium: Rhubarb is high in calcium with 86mg (Strawberries have only 16 mg)
3. CRANBERRIES
Cranberries have a tart flavor and vibrant color, making them a suitable alternative to rhubarb in various recipes.
Note: Cranberries can be quite tart on their own, so additional sweetening might be necessary to balance the flavors in certain dishes.
Substitute for rhubarb in sauces, chutneys, competes & pies
Cranberries have a tart and slightly sour taste, and their natural sugars are lower compared to other fruits. They are also a source of vitamin C, contributing to immune function and acting as an antioxidant.
Nutritional Info: Cranberries vs Rhubarb
Cranberries have a tart and slightly sour taste, and their natural sugars are lower compared to other fruits. They are also a source of vitamin C, contributing to immune function and acting as an antioxidant.
- Calories: Around 46 kcal for green apples vs 21 kcal for rhubarb
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 12.2 grams in green apples vs 4.5 grams in rhubarb
- Fiber: About 4.6 grams for green apples vs 1.8 grams for rhubarb
- Sugar: Approximately 4.04 grams for the apples vs only 1.1. grams for rhubarb
- Vitamin C: About 13.3 mg in apples vs 8 mg in rhubarb
- Calcium: Rhubarb is high in calcium with 86mg (Green apples have only 8 mg)
4. GOOSEBERRIES
Gooseberries have a tart flavor, similar to rhubarb, making them a potential replacement in various dishes.
Note: Gooseberries may not be as readily available as other substitutes, depending on your location and season.
Substitute for rhubarb in pies, jams, muffins & chutneys
Gooseberries work well in dishes where their tartness is desired, especially in pies and jams. Gooseberries can substitute rhubarb in pies, jams, muffins, and certain chutneys.
Nutritional Info: Gooseberries vs Rhubarb
Gooseberries have a unique tart and slightly sweet taste, and they contain a moderate amount of natural sugars. They are also a good source of vitamin C, contributing to immune function and acting as an antioxidant.
- Calories: Around 44 kcal for green apples vs 21 kcal for rhubarb
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10 grams in gooseberries vs 4.5 grams in rhubarb
- Fiber: About 4.3 grams for gooseberries vs 1.8 grams for rhubarb
- Sugar: Approximately 4.88 grams for the gooseberries vs only 1.1. grams for rhubarb
- Vitamin C: About 27.7 mg in gooseberries vs 8 mg in rhubarb
- Calcium: Rhubarb is high in calcium with 86mg (Gooseberries have only 25 mg)
5. LEMONS
Lemons offer a tangy and refreshing flavor, making them a versatile option for replacing rhubarb in certain dishes.
Note: Lemons have a different texture from rhubarb, and their strong citrus flavor may not be an exact match for all recipes.
Substitute for rhubarb in compotes, sauces, beverages & cocktails.
Lemons are an excellent choice for adding tanginess to various dishes, especially in compotes and beverages. Lemons can substitute rhubarb in compotes, sauces, beverages, and cocktails.
Nutritional Info: Lemons vs Rhubarb
Lemons have a tart and citrusy taste, and they contain natural sugars, but in lower amounts compared to many other fruits. They are particularly high in vitamin C, which is known for its immune-supporting properties and antioxidant benefits.
- Calories: Around 29 kcal for green apples vs 21 kcal for rhubarb
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 9 grams in green apples vs 4.5 grams in rhubarb
- Fiber: About 2.8 grams for green apples vs 1.8 grams for rhubarb
- Sugar: Approximately 2.5 grams for the apples vs only 1.1. grams for rhubarb
- Vitamin C: About 53mg in apples vs 8 mg in rhubarb
- Calcium: Rhubarb is high in calcium with 86mg (Green apples have only 26 mg)
Conclusion
In conclusion, rhubarb’s unique tart flavor and vibrant color make it a prized ingredient in a wide range of both sweet and savory dishes. While finding exact substitutes for rhubarb can be challenging, alternatives like green apples, strawberries, cranberries, and tomatillos can provide delightful variations in various recipes. Each substitute brings its own distinct characteristics, ensuring there’s a delicious option to suit different culinary preferences and create a diverse array of flavorful dishes.