Rhubarb Brings the Sweetness of Spring
By Julia Howard
From margaritas to slow-cooker sweet child jam, rhubarb showcases its versatility in the food world as well as its resilience as a hardy spring perennial, returning year after year. At the farmers’ market, this annual find accentuates displays with bright crimson and green stalks at the stands of Lovin’ Mama Farm, Kokinda Farm and Owl Wood Farm. A rhubarb and asparagus pyramid was spotted at Gomes Veggie Ville, making a spectacle of springs’ abundance.
For cooking and baking inspiration, we turned to the experts, the growers. Corinne Hansch of Lovin’ Mama is thrilled with her very first harvest. “I love a good strawberry rhubarb jam,” she remarked with a smile. At kokinda Farm, Laurie Kokinda recalls and incredible orange-rhubarb custard, as well as another favorite, strawberry-rhubarb pie.
While exploring the farmers’ market, we met Diane Whitten, a Cornell Cooperative extension Food and Nutrition Educator and Master Preserver, who shared her favorite way to prepare this delicious perennial – rhubarb raisins. Coat 1/2 inch piece of rhubarb with sugar and refrigerate for 48 Horus. The sugar draws water out of the rhubarb, creating a syrupy juice that can be used in various beverages. The rhubarb pieces are then dehydrated to create sweet-tart ‘raisins’ that can be used in baking or as a snack.
Whether you’re making Chicken Tagine, or coffee cake, make a trip to the farmers’ market this Wednesday or Saturday while this great find is sweet, tender and widely available. If you don’t have time to prepare this delicious spring find, we’ve got you covered. You can find Scandinavian baked goods featuring rhubarb at Parchment Baking Company and strawberry, raspberry and cherry-rhubarb jams at Kokinda Farm.
Market News:
Clifton Park Market: Opens Monday, June 2nd at Shenendehowa Methodist Church on route 146 (2pm to 5pm weekly).
Before Broadway on Belmont: Join us on Wednesday June 4th at our mid-week market at High Rock Park. SaratogaJockey.com will be conducting a community demonstration, Patrice Mastrianni, author of ‘Find Me in Saratoga’ on site, enjoy dinner at the park, 20+ vendors, live music with The Bennett Brothers.
Before the Races Take Off: Join us on Saturday June 7th at High Rock Park. Kids can paint horseshoes and horses for free (while supplies last). Family table activity with Saratoga Springs Mobile Library, enjoy breakfast in the park, 70+ vendors, live music with Kate Blain & Selah Eiler.
This week’s recipe: Rhubarb Yogurt Cake
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open:
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturdays | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
📍 High Rock Park, Downtown Saratoga Springs
Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket. And, don’t forget to join the market’s FREE weekly newsletter.newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.
