Is it possible to freeze rhubarb at home for the winter and how to prepare and store it?

Rhubarb is a common vegetable crop, especially among rural residents. Despite this, it's rarely seen at markets. Therefore, it's important to plan ahead for freezing rhubarb for the winter. Only the stalks are eaten. The plant has beneficial effects on the human body, stabilizing intestinal function and improving circulation. It's rarely eaten in its pure form. It's used to make jellies, stuffings, and soups.

Selecting rhubarb for freezing

For harvesting, select only fresh and young petioles. They contain the least amount of oxalic acid.

When it enters the body, it removes calcium and can cause the formation of kidney stones.

The stems age quickly, so it is important not to miss the moment of freezing them.

How to prepare rhubarb for freezing?

Stages of preparing a plant for subsequent freezing:

1. It is necessary to collect young and juicy leaves with petioles.
2. Young petioles do not require peeling. Mature petioles require the outer layer to be removed.
3. After this, the stems must be washed in water and laid out in one layer on a towel.
4. If necessary, cut into pieces or freeze whole stems.
5. The crushed plant is frozen in special containers or zip-lock bags.
6. It is convenient to use plastic cups from baby food.

Methods for freezing rhubarb

Methods for properly preserving the product at home, preserving maximum nutrients. Small plastic bottles are ideal for storage.

Freezing fresh rhubarb

Stages of preparation of the workpiece:

1. Separate the petioles from the leaves. If they are mature, remove the outer membrane.
2. Wash thoroughly under running water.
3. Spread out in one layer on a terry towel and let dry completely.
4. Grind the stems using any convenient method. Also, consider what dishes you'll be using them for later.
5. Spread the pieces in a single layer on a plate or board and place in the quick-freeze chamber. This will ensure the dough remains crumbly and doesn't stick together.
6. After 24 hours, distribute into bags or containers and send for further storage.

Freezing rhubarb with sugar

Method of preparation:

1. Prepare the petioles: wash and remove the skin.
2. Cut into pieces and sprinkle with sugar. A rough guide is to use one part sugar for every four pieces of dough.
3. Place in a plastic container and freeze.
4. After some time, when the mixture is not yet completely frozen, stir it.
5. Send for long-term storage.

How to freeze blanched rhubarb?

This method involves preliminary immersion in boiling water.

Method of preparation:

1. Wash and clean the petioles. Cut into pieces.
2. Boil water.
3. Place a small number of cubes in a colander and plunge them into boiling water for one minute. Then plunge them into cold water.
4. Dry on a towel.
5. Divide into bags. Write the freezing date with a marker and place in the freezer.

Freezing rhubarb puree

To prepare mousses and jams, the plant must be frozen in puree form.

Preparation method:

1. Peel the petioles, cut into pieces and place in a blender bowl.
2. Bring the consistency to a puree state.
3. Place into small plastic containers, cover with lids and place in the freezer.

How to defrost rhubarb properly?

The plant can be used immediately, without defrosting. Alternatively, place it on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly. It can also be left at room temperature.