Does washing rhubarb harm it?!
Does washing rhubarb harm it?
My mom seems to think that washing dirty rhubarb under running water will cause it to absorb water like a sponge and will make whatever recipe you use it in turn watery. I think that this is nonsense, and that the water would not harm it one bit. Who's right?
Answers:
No, rinsing is fine. It is just like celery structurally, so you want to rinse off the dirt. But if you soaked it isn water it would absorb a lot of it. When you cut it up and sprinkle sugar on it, it will absorb the sugar - which is how you prepare it for a pie, incidentally.
What your mom says is nonsense
My mom washes the dirt off her rhubarb before she makes rhubarb crisp and it's the best crisp EVER!
you don't want it to be dirty and may a few bugs and a
little bug spray and any stray dog that might have lifted his leg on it
korkie
Well Rubarb will absorb water when it is growing, but not when you wash it. If you are taking it out of your garden to make into pies, ask your Mom if she is sure that your dog or the neighbor's dog has not relived him/herself on the rubarb and is she sure she doesn't want you to wash it. LOL