Rhubarb

[Saddle bum]

I put loads of horse manure on my rhubarb. However most people prefer custard.

 

[danphoto]

Any recommendations for varieties to go in it's place, gratefully received...

Erm ... Brandy Carr Scarlet and Hammond's Early. At least that's what we've ended up growing after experimenting with all the usual suspects over the last 25 years or so. AFAIC all the others are just your generic "rhubarb" - perfectly OK for run-of-the-mill crumbles or whatever, but not in the same league as our Top Two.

Both BCS and Hammonds Early are a doddle to grow, btw, although if our experience is anything to go by, starting from scratch you'll pick more Hammonds Early in the first few years.

 

[ttcycle]

reading threads like this really makes me pine for a garden!!

my dad's house had lovely rhubarb and a cooking apple tree when I was a kid we never used any of it except the apples for curries.

Now he's removed the tree and paved over the rhubarb- makes me feel a bit Joni Mitchell about it all!

Love Rhubarb- was on the way back home today and saw loads of elderflower trees too...wish I had a ample supply of fruit - being making marmalade and beetroot chutney but buying loads of things in is very expensive in London. Wish I had a glut of something!

 

[yello]

Lord knows what variety our rhubarb is. It was there when we moved in, it grows like buggery and we have to keep an eye otherwise the stuff will take over.

I've just had the last piece of rhubarb and ginger tart, my lord it was good. My wife makes it like a tarte tartin (upside down apple cake type thing), the pastry is sublime and the ginger just takes the gritty edge of the rhubarb. I believe it's a Nigel Slater recipe. Truly divine.

 

[Paulus]

In which case, you must grow some Brandy Carr Scarlet of your own. Verily, 'tis a prince among rhubarbs

I have a couple of crowns in the garden, but i have no idea which variety they are.

 

[Dayvo]

Hmmmmm Rhubarb Crumble and custard

Nearly as good as gooseberry crumble/pie and custard/cream!

 

[Telemark]

Lord knows what variety our rhubarb is. It was there when we moved in, it grows like buggery and we have to keep an eye otherwise the stuff will take over.

I've just had the last piece of rhubarb and ginger tart, my lord it was good. My wife makes it like a tarte tartin (upside down apple cake type thing), the pastry is sublime and the ginger just takes the gritty edge of the rhubarb. I believe it's a Nigel Slater recipe. Truly divine.

That sounds like a great combination Recipe please!!!!!!!

I always add rhubarb & some chopped crystallized ginger to make strawberry jam more interesting.

TT - if you have plenty of elder flowers (there are only very occasional early flower heads out in Edinburgh - a couple of weeks behind you?), all you need is a big pot/bucket, some unwaxed lemons, citric acid (pharmacy, internet or home brew shop) and sugar, + some plastic bottles ... no own garden required!
Elderflower cordial

 

[ttcycle]

Yes I was around at a friends and they had a guest coming over to pick up some elderflower heads...it's more the elderflower and rhubarb combo that I'm hankering after!

The preserves book under the River Cottage series is very, very good.


Might have to get myself down to the New Covent Garden Market for some more bulk buying of fruit and veg!

 

[Telemark]

Yes I was around at a friends and they had a guest coming over to pick up some elderflower heads...it's more the elderflower and rhubarb combo that I'm hankering after!

The preserves book under the River Cottage series is very, very good.


Might have to get myself down to the New Covent Garden Market for some more bulk buying of fruit and veg!

Thanks, must have a look for that one ... (don't tell Mr T, he thinks I've got too many cookery/baking books already )

T

 

[ttcycle]

Thanks, must have a look for that one ... (don't tell Mr T, he thinks I've got too many cookery/baking books already )

T

It is very good - the beetroot relish is lovely- I've been stockpiling jars for new things to make - though being in London it can be costly to buy the fruit and veg - still makes for hours of fun making jams/jellies/chutney etc

 

[Telemark]

[sorry off topic on the rhubarb theme]

Have you tried elderberry (&apple) jelly? My absolute favourite jelly, deepest darkest purple and a tastes like nothing else ... (but not for a few months yet )

There is a lovely wee book called "Fruits of the hedgerow and unsual garden fruits" by Charlotte Popescu - lots of free fruit recipes, here are some that examples: Elder flower sorbet, crab apple jelly, apple & rosehip jelly (very delicate pink/rose coloured), rowan & thyme jelly, sloe chocolates

T

 

[biggs682]

we have had 4 lots from our rhubarb so far this year just need some water

 

[danphoto]

Elderflower cordial

Or better still, elderflower champagne!

 

[ttcycle]

mmmm those recipes sound great T!