Rhubarb Brings the Sweetness of Spring

F

rom margaritas to slow-cooker sweet chili jam, rhubarb showcases its versatility in the food world as well as its resilience as a hardy spring perennial, returning year after year.

At the farmers’ market, rhubarb accentuates displays with bright crimson and green stalks at the stands of Lovin’ Mama Farm, Kokinda Farm, and Owl Wood Farm. A rhubarb and asparagus pyramid was spotted at Gomez Veggie Ville, making a spectacle of spring’s abundance. 

For cooking and baking inspiration, we turned to the experts, the growers. Corinne Hansch of Lovin’ Mama Farm is thrilled with their very first rhubarb harvest. “I love a good strawberry rhubarb jam,” she remarked with a smile. At Kokinda Farm, Laurie Kokinda recalls an incredible orange-rhubarb custard, as well as another favorite, strawberry-rhubarb pie.

While exploring the farmers’ market, we met Diane Whitten, a Cornell Cooperative Extension Food & Nutrition Educator and Master Preserver, who shared her favorite way to prepare rhubarb – rhubarb raisins. Coat ½ inch pieces of rhubarb with sugar and refrigerate for 48 hours. The sugar draws water out of the rhubarb, creating a syrupy juice that can be used in various beverages. The rhubarb pieces are then dehydrated to create sweet-tart “raisins” that can be used in baking or as a snack.

Whether you’re making chicken tagine or coffee cake, make a trip to the farmers’ market this Wednesday or Saturday while rhubarb is sweet, tender, and widely available. If you don’t have time to prepare rhubarb, we’ve got you covered. You can find Scandinavian baked goods featuring rhubarb at Parchment Baking Co. and strawberry, raspberry, and cherry-rhubarb jams at Kokinda Farm. 

In other market news, the Clifton Park Farmers’ Market opens its Monday market, from 2 to 5 pm, on June 2, at Shenendehowa United Methodist Church on Route 146. 

Before Belmont on Broadway, Wednesday, June 4, from 3 to 6 pm, SaratogaJockey.com will host a community demonstration at High Rock Park. Additionally, local author Patrice Mastianni will have copies of her new book, “Find Me in Saratoga.” We’ll have live music by the Bennett Brothers and over 20 vendors offering a variety of prepared food options so that you can enjoy dinner at the park!

Before the races take off on Saturday, June 7, beginning at 9 am at the farmers’ market, we’ll have a free horse-themed painting activity for children, a family activity table with Saratoga Springs Mobile Library, prepared food options to enjoy breakfast in the park, over 70 vendors, and live music throughout the park.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open on Wednesdays from 3- 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at High Rock Park in downtown Saratoga Springs. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our FREE weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.