Introduction
Rhubarb is a unique and versatile plant that can add flavor and nutrition to a variety of dishes. Its tart and sour stalks have a texture similar to celery and are often used in baking, jams, compotes, and even some savory applications. Though most commonly used in sweet preparations, some people also enjoy juicing rhubarb to extract its tangy juice. So can you actually run rhubarb through a juicer? Let’s take a closer look at how to juice rhubarb and the potential benefits and drawbacks.
Choosing the Right Juicer for Rhubarb
If you want to juice rhubarb, it’s important to select the right kind of juicer. Here are some juicer options to consider:
| Juicer Type | Good for Rhubarb? |
|---|---|
| Centrifugal juicers | Yes, extracts juice quickly |
| Masticating juicers | Best option, gently crushes stalks |
| Triturating juicers | Works well, twin gears crush efficiently |
| Citrus juicers | Not recommended, not designed for rhubarb |
Masticating and triturating juicers are the best options for juicing rhubarb. Their slower rotating augers thoroughly crush rhubarb stalks without producing too much heat that could damage nutrients and enzymes. Centrifugal juicers also work, but some nutrients may be lost due to the high-speed spinning.
Preparing Rhubarb for Juicing
Before running rhubarb through a juicer, it helps to prepare the stalks:
- Wash rhubarb stalks thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris
- Trim off the ends and discard any leaves (rhubarb leaves are toxic!)
- Cut the stalks into 1-2 inch pieces to fit into your juicer’s chute
You can juice rhubarb on its own or combine it with other ingredients. Some flavor combinations to try:
- Rhubarb + apple – sweetens up rhubarb’s tartness
- Rhubarb + strawberry – classic pairing
- Rhubarb + ginger – adds zing
- Rhubarb + carrot – milder drink
Aim for a 3:1 ratio of softer fruits/veggies to rhubarb for balancing the flavor.
Juicing Rhubarb: Step-by-Step
Here is a simple step-by-step guide to juicing rhubarb:
- Prep rhubarb and other ingredients as explained above.
- Turn on your juicer and allow it to reach full speed.
- Feed rhubarb stalks slowly into the juicer chute, along with chosen ingredients.
- Juice all ingredients, alternating between rhubarb and the other fruits/veggies.
- Collect the resulting juice in a glass or container.
- Drink the rhubarb juice right away or store in an airtight container in the fridge for 24 hours.
- Wash all parts of the juicer thoroughly after use.
Juicing rhubarb is as simple as that! Take note of how much juice you get from your rhubarb and ingredient ratios so you can tweak and adjust to your taste preferences.
Nutritional Benefits of Rhubarb Juice
Drinking rhubarb juice provides these key vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds:
| Nutrient | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Vitamin K | Supports bone and heart health |
| Vitamin C | Boosts immunity and acts as antioxidant |
| Calcium | Aids bone density and strength |
| Anthraquinones | Stimulate digestion and act as laxative |
Rhubarb juice can also help increase fiber intake, which promotes regularity and healthy digestion. The tart taste comes from oxalic acid, which may support kidney health.
Downsides and Precautions with Rhubarb Juice
There are some downsides and precautions to be aware of when juicing and consuming rhubarb:
- Oxalic acid may increase risk of kidney stones in those already prone to them.
- Rhubarb leaves contain poisonous compounds that can cause serious kidney damage.
- Juicing removes valuable fiber from rhubarb stalks.
- Drinking large amounts of rhubarb juice can act as a laxative.
- Rhubarb juice has a very tart, sour taste some may find unpalatable.
Overall, rhubarb juice is likely safe in moderation but should be avoided by those with kidney issues.
Tips for Enjoying Rhubarb Juice
Here are some tips for enjoying rhubarb juice:
- Start with a small ratio of rhubarb to other fruits at first until you get used to the sour flavor.
- Mix rhubarb juice with sweeter juices like apple or carrot to mellow out the tartness.
- Drink rhubarb juice diluted with water if the flavor is too intense.
- Use rhubarb juice in smoothies along with bananas, Greek yogurt, or milk for a creamier texture.
- Sweeten rhubarb juice sparingly with a bit of honey or maple syrup if needed.
- Consume immediately after juicing for best flavor and nutritional quality.
Does Rhubarb Juice Taste Good?
Whether or not rhubarb juice tastes good is a matter of personal preference. Some people love the bold, tart flavor. Others may find it much too sour or strong.
Here are some factors that affect rhubarb juice taste:
- Rhubarb variety – ‘Valentine’ is considered one of the most flavorful types for juicing.
- Harvest season – Early season rhubarb is more tart, late is milder.
- Added ingredients – Blending with sweeter fruits significantly improves the flavor.
- Chilling – Many people find chilled rhubarb juice more palatable.
- Dilution – Adding a bit of water cuts the intensity.
The best way to find out if you enjoy rhubarb juice is to sample a small amount. Adjust the ingredient ratios and sweetness to make it more to your liking.
Conclusion
Can you juice rhubarb? Absolutely! With the right juicer like a masticating or triturating model, rhubarb stalks can be successfully juiced to extract their distinct tart flavor and nutrients. While rhubarb juice may need to be balanced out with other fruits and sweeteners, it can be a nutritious, antioxidant-rich addition to your diet when consumed in moderation. Whether you’re looking to make a tangy rhubarb juice on its own or add it to vegetable- and fruit-based juices, it’s a unique option for the more adventurous juicer.
