We are often asked "Why rhubarb?" (along with "What is rhubarb?") when our farm guests are considering the many jam options on our shelves and see our Strawberry Rhubarb Jam. Rhubarb is a vegetable with stalks that look like reddish-pink celery, known for its unique tart taste. It was often a garden staple (ask your grandparents), nicknamed the pie plant for its use in fruit pies or desserts. More than a colorful filler, the tart taste offers a taste counterpoint to the sweetness of fruit pies or jams, similar to the flavor notes of gooseberries and tart cherries. Rhubarb pairs well with strawberries, peaches, sweet cherries and apples, and it makes a delectable strawberry rhubarb jam.
Strawberry Rhubarb Jam bars are crunchy squares of oatmeal/brown sugar/butter crust with a not-too-sweet jam filling and a crunchy/nutty topping. If you want to omit the slivered almonds or pecans, the bars are still fantastic. You can make these bars with any jam, but you'll find Strawberry Rhubarb is a winner! Get the recipe here.
