What is rhubarb? Benefits and care.

Rhubarb is one of the plants that you can grow both in your garden and in a pot. Thanks to its size, which although it reaches three meters in height, it is a herb that does not have invasive roots, making it perfect to have anywhere in the home.

It is widely used in the kitchen to prepare delicious recipes, such as salads, jams or empanadas. But do you know what rhubarb is?

Rhubarb is an herb native to northeastern Europe, specifically Ukraine. It is a phanerogamic plant, that is, it produces seeds to be able to propagate the species, which belongs to the Polygonaceae botanical family, as well as other vegetables such as Rumex, which is also widely used in the kitchen.

The large leaves have long, thick petioles, up to two inches, and edible. The color of these can be green or, more commonly, red. The aerial part of rhubarb arises from a rhizome that is found underground. Thanks to this underground organ it can stay alive, since it serves to store nutrients.

Only the petioles of rhubarb are used. The leaves contain a high concentration of oxalic acid, which if mixed with metals such as iron, calcium or zinc, the body can have problems absorbing them properly. Also, in some cases, some essential minerals, such as calcium, can become concentrated in unwanted areas, which could cause kidney stone formation.

This plant can live for several years, shedding its leaves in winter and sprouting in spring. Before summer arrives, the leaves should be harvested, as this is when the oxalic acid level is lowest.

What are the benefits of rhubarb?

Improves digestion One of the benefits of rhubarb is that it has the ability to improve digestion, due to its rich fiber content. This is a component known to promote proper bowel movements and healthy digestion. A study in China pointed out that rhubarb is a plant that can promote better digestion, relieve stomach bloating, and reduce discomfort caused by certain digestive problems. According to the researchers, rhubarb protects the intestinal walls, since it produces an increase in the production of gastrointestinal hormones. In addition to promoting adequate contraction of the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract.

We can briefly mention the following benefits of consuming rhubarb.

• Helps strengthen muscles and prevents osteoporosis
• May prevent brain disorders
• Helps fight free radicals
• May prevent brain disorders
• Helps fight free radicals
• Relieves constipation and diarrea
• Reduces inflammation

Basic rhubarb care

 Let's go on to list three of the most important cares for growing a rhubarb.

Weather

It is one of the most versatile plants adapted to different climates, although we have already said that cold climates are those with which it presents intense reds. Even so, the different varietal selections many of them seek to achieve intense reds, which is what draws the attention of this vegetable. This plant needs the cold of winter to stimulate growth in spring. It is what is known as vernalization. For this reason, the rhizomes must be planted during the fall so that they pass the necessary cold of winter. As the rhizome remains underground, it can withstand the freezing temperatures of the Siberian cold. When the petioles begin to develop, the frosts should subside although it develops well around 10ºC.

Floor

It grows well in well-drained and well-nourished loamy soils. If it is necessary to deviate from this average, it is better to be towards lighter or somewhat sandy soils. What is bad are the clay and heavy. The pH can be somewhat acidic around 6.

+ Soil drainage

+ soil pH

+ Texture of a floor

Sometimes it is good to apply some fertilizations to your rhubarb. In general it responds very well to a 15-15-15 fertilizer.

Irrigation

The abundant risks overwhelm him. A regular frequency of watering that maintains constant soil moisture but without waterlogging is better. Therefore, more frequency and less abundance in the irrigations is the ideal. Sometimes it is not possible but if you tend to do it better. Rhubarb is a plant that needs watering and more during the development of the fleshy petioles of the leaves that we will later take advantage of.

Because it is a vegetable that is not widely used, I think we have written a lot about it in this post. I hope that if you have read it you know how to take advantage of all the information. :)