RhubarbPosted 10 years ago under Uncategorized

Commonly used as a fruit in pies, jellies, and desserts, rhubarb is a misunderstood vegetable. It is a good source of important nutrients such as vitamin K, vitamin C, and nutrients that the body transforms into vitamin A. (1) Extracts from rhubarb have even been shown to ease the symptoms of menopause. (2)

Taxonomy

Rhubarb comes from the Rheum rhabarbarum.

Kingdom (Plantae) > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Order (Caryophyllales) > Family (Polygonaceae) > Genus (Rheum) > Species (Rheum rhabarbarum)

Description

Rhubarb is a plant that grows up to just under five feet in height and up to six and a half feet in diameter. The leaves can reach 3.3 to 4.9 feet in length and are poisonous. They can be red or green in color. The edible part of the plant is the stem or stalk. (3)

Distribution

Rhubarb grows best in cold temperate regions such as northern United States and Canada. It is believed to have originated in Russia or northern China. It thrives in cold weather and can tolerate drought but not heat. It needs full sun and slightly acidic, loamy soil. (4)

Nutritional Information

Rhubarb is a good source of nutrition including dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is high in vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, calcium, B vitamins, and manganese. It also has small amounts of poly-phenolic compounds that are converted into vitamin A in the body. As a result, rhubarb provides nutrients that help eye-sight as well as fight against certain cancers. It also helps treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease as well as promote bone health. (5)

Commercial Cultivation

Rhubarb can be grown from seed but is typically cultivated from cuttings. (6) Commercial production in the United States is focused in Washington, Oregon, and Michigan. 15 tons is considered to be a good yield while 18 tons is considered to be a great yield. Typically its harvested once a year but if it is harvested twice a year, then total yield can go up by 50% a year. (7)

Diseases, Pests, Predators

Rhubarb is susceptible to a number of common diseases and pests. The most frequent diseases and include gray mold caused by a fungus, phytophthora root and crown rot, and slugs. (8)

Sources

(1) http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/rhubarb.html
(2) http://www.naturalnews.com/029730_Siberian_Rhubarb_menopause.html
(3) https://www.plantvillage.com/en/topics/rhubarb/infos/diseases_and_pests_description_uses_propagation
(4) http://www.rhubarbinfo.com/growing
(5) http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/rhubarb.html
(6) https://www.plantvillage.com/en/topics/rhubarb/infos/diseases_and_pests_description_uses_propagation#info397
(7) http://www.rhubarbinfo.com/growing
(8) https://www.plantvillage.com/en/topics/rhubarb/infos/diseases_and_pests_description_uses_propagation