Do You Have to Peel Rhubarb?

Peeling rhubarb is generally recommended. Finally, the outermost fibers of the tart vegetable contain a potentially unhealthy acid (oxalic acid) — and have an inedible texture. You can only disregard this recommendation for very young poles.

To peel rhubarb or not: that’s why it makes sense

Rhubarb contains oxalic acid. This substance can be harmful to health in large quantities because it can promote the formation of kidney stones, for example. The acid is mainly found in the green leaves and just under the skin of the vegetables. The following applies here: the older and thicker the sticks are, the higher the oxalic acid content.

To reduce this component, you should peel and cut the rhubarb. Then cook it. Eating rhubarb raw is also not a good idea.

In addition to health, the consumption of unpeeled spears usually also affects enjoyment. Because the outermost fibers of the rhubarb often have a woody consistency. It is, therefore, better to remove the peel from the tray before preparing your rhubarb cake. Or use very young tender spears. They have a fine texture and still contain little acid.

However, this exception only applies to healthy connoisseurs without previous illnesses. If you have a sensitive stomach or are pregnant, always peel rhubarb.

How to peel rhubarb correctly: how to do it step by step

It doesn’t matter whether you peel rhubarb for cakes – or you want to peel rhubarb for jam & Co. It is best to always proceed as follows:

• First, remove the green leaves of the vegetables. To do this, cut off the rhubarb generously at the top of the stalks. Do the same with the bottom of the vegetables.
• Remove sand and dirt from the poles by washing them under running water.
• Now peel the sticks. But how exactly do you peel rhubarb? It’s very simple: place a knife on one of the cut ends and pull off the fibers lengthways. Repeat the procedure until no more fibers come loose.
• Alternatively, you can use a vegetable peeler for this step.

Now you can chop and steam the vegetables or boil the rhubarb and then use it in rhubarb recipes such as compote, jam or desserts without hesitation – how about a delicious strawberry rhubarb tiramisu?