Varietal characteristics
Rhubarb is a perennial herbaceous plant that has been cultivated for centuries and was already known more than 2,000 years ago. It is a hardy, resistant plant that grows well in different types of climate.
There are several varieties of rhubarb, some of which can grow very large, up to three metres in height. The leaves are broad and grow in a circle at the base of the plant. They have long, fleshy stalks (the stems), which are the part used in cooking.
The plant produces small flowers, grouped in large panicles, with white or pale yellow petals. After flowering, small nut-shaped fruits with well-defined corners form.
Rhubarb is best known for its use in cooking. Its distinctive flavour, slightly bitter but aromatic, makes it ideal for desserts, compotes and jams. Only the stems are used, while the leaves are not eaten.