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As the winter chill settles in, there's no better time to warm up with delightful fruit desserts featuring seasonal ingredients. One star of the season is the vibrant and tangy rhubarb, now available in its prime at Fruitezy. With a good supply of locally grown ruby-red rhubarb in store, it's the perfect opportunity to explore this versatile vegetable's delicious possibilities.

Selecting and Storing Rhubarb

When choosing rhubarb, look for firm, crisp stalks that are bright and deep red. The more intense the colour, the sweeter the taste. Avoid stalks that are limp or blemished. Once home, store your rhubarb in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic or placed in a plastic bag. It will keep fresh for up to two weeks.

Rhubarb and Its Flavour Partners

Rhubarb's tartness makes it a wonderful partner for a variety of fruits and flavours. It pairs beautifully with apples, strawberries, pears, oranges, mandarins, peaches, and raspberries. For a warm and comforting winter dessert, try combining rhubarb with cinnamon, lemon rind, or ginger. The addition of cream or custard balances the tartness perfectly.

DELICIOUS COOKING IDEAS

1. Rhubarb and Ginger Apple Tart

For a delightful and easy dessert, pile chopped rhubarb, grated ginger, and chopped Granny Smith apples into a pre-baked pastry case. Sprinkle generously with brown sugar and bake in a hot oven until the rhubarb is tender. This tart offers a wonderful blend of tangy and sweet, with a hint of spice from the ginger.

2. Stewed Rhubarb and Strawberries

Rhubarb and strawberries are both plentiful this season. Stew them together with a little sugar for a quick and easy dessert. The result is a luscious, sweet-tart combination that's perfect on its own or served over ice cream.

3. Rhubarb and Orange Yoghurt Parfait

For a lighter treat, stew chopped rhubarb with sugar and the juice of an orange. Add a splash of orange liqueur for an extra burst of flavour. Layer the stewed rhubarb with vanilla yoghurt in serving glasses and chill before serving. This parfait makes a refreshing and satisfying dessert.

4. Microwaved Rhubarb with Ice Cream

For a quick and easy option, microwave sliced rhubarb stems with a little sugar or honey to sweeten. Serve hot over vanilla ice cream or with warm custard. This simple method preserves the rhubarb's vibrant flavour and colour.

5. Rhubarb and Apple Compote

For a classic combination, stew rhubarb with the season’s best Granny Smith apples to create a flavoursome and tangy fruit compote. This dish is rich in calcium and fibre, making it both nutritious and delicious. Enjoy it hot or cold, on its own or as a topping for oatmeal or pancakes.

This winter, embrace the season's bounty with these delightful rhubarb recipes. With its unique tang and versatility, rhubarb is sure to become a favourite ingredient in your kitchen. Visit Fruitezy to pick up fresh, locally grown rhubarb and other seasonal fruits, and get cooking!