Author Topic: Rhubarb (Read 1248 times)

jvs · « **on:** April 16, 2005, 03:50:04 AM »

It looks like another good year that is shaping up for the Rhubarb plants. I have 6 plants, one is a monster.

I can taste the rhubarb custard pies already and it won't be ready for another month or so. Strawberry/Rhubarb pie is another favorite around here.

Rhubarb leaves also have a natural insecticide, which I use when I pick the stalks.

JPSaxMan · « **Reply #1 on:** April 17, 2005, 03:28:56 PM »

Ever make strawberry-rhubarb pie? OMG...that's a killer.

Strawberry-rhubarb cobbler is another good one...we have that hybrid rhubarb up by me I think...I dunno...but man o man is it good. Should be sprouting up any day now...it's wild...so it's not controlled like yours sound to be...I might be wrong on that. Have fun!

ShadowMover · « **Reply #2 on:** April 17, 2005, 04:41:10 PM »

I like rhubarb and strawberries in pies myself. I read an article in a magazine about the high amount of oxalic acid in rhubarb, and strawberries which results in a lot of kidney stones. After passing a whopper of a stone a few years ago I got real interested when I read about it. If you've had any problems with stones you might want to get more information. Stones have a way of focusing your attention :eek:

JPSaxMan · « **Reply #3 on:** April 17, 2005, 04:53:41 PM »

Quote from: ShadowMover

Stones have a way of focusing your attention :eek:

Focusing your attention and then some :eek: :shock:

jvs · « **Reply #4 on:** April 17, 2005, 10:50:09 PM »

Quote from: ShadowMover

I like rhubarb and strawberries in pies myself. I read an article in a magazine about the high amount of oxalic acid in rhubarb, and strawberries which results in a lot of kidney stones. After passing a whopper of a stone a few years ago I got real interested when I read about it. If you've had any problems with stones you might want to get more information. Stones have a way of focusing your attention :eek:

Now that is interesting.

Everything I've read about it lately says that most, but not all, of the oxalic acid is in the leaves and root when the rhubarb is ripe, which is what makes the leaves a dandy natural insecticide for aphids when made into a spray (below), and also good for scouring pots-n-pans.

I have no wish to pass a golfball through a garden hose but it won't keep me from having some Rhubard Custard Pies in a few weeks.

************************************************

Rhubarb/Aphid spray

1) Chop 3 to 5 rhubarb leaves and add to a quart of water.

2) Boil for 30 minutes.

3) Strain and add a dash of liquid soap.

4) Fill spray bottle with the liquid and use it on aphids.

Note: Because rhubarb leaves are poisonous, don't use this spray on edible plants.

JPSaxMan · « **Reply #5 on:** April 18, 2005, 12:50:04 AM »

Here's a dumb question: What's an aphid?

pinduck · « **Reply #6 on:** April 18, 2005, 03:01:08 AM »

Insects that suck the life juices of plants, much like a congress person.

jvs · « **Reply #7 on:** April 18, 2005, 03:16:49 AM »

No such thing as a dumb question. Only some really dumb answers.

In an effort to keep from giving you a completely dumb answer I will add a web address for everything you want to know about Aphids.

I can tell you this first, if you have Roses you more than likely have Aphids sucking the life's fluid out of the bush.

That home made insecticide (above) is useful for more pest's than Aphids and can be made alot cheaper that what you'd pay for a spray. As with any insecticide, care should be exercised around Edibles, Pets and Kids.

Aphids WebPage >>------> http://www.earthlife.net/insects/aphids.html

As far as I know, no one will care if Aphids would get Kidney Stones <------<< DUMB ANSWER

JPSaxMan · « **Reply #8 on:** April 18, 2005, 10:01:04 AM »

Wow. Them look like some nasty lil buggers.

I do have one wild rosebush...might have to consider makin some of that insecticide to use on it....damn bugs.

Thanx for the "smart" answer.

JPSaxMan · « **Reply #9 on:** April 18, 2005, 10:02:41 AM »

By the way will this work on catepillars too?

jvs · « **Reply #10 on:** May 08, 2005, 05:32:10 AM »

Oxalic acid works on just about anything that is alive, except the insects that attack Rhubarb Plants. Either it will give insects a bad taste in their mouth on the first bite and repel them, or if they keep munching it should do away with them.

Tomorrow will be my first pick of Rhubarb......I can taste the home-made Rhubarb Custard pies already. I can dig out the recipe if anyone would like to try it. Most people wrinkle their nose at the thought of Rhubarb Custard pie............until they taste it. Then they want a whole pie. Not surprisingly, it takes alot of Sugar and a little Cinnamin. I haven't found a single soul who dislikes it after they taste it. There is also Rhubarb Sauce, sorta like Apple Butter but more sour.

I start fertilizing the plants heavily in the fall, and twice this spring. With all the rain we had they look to be in excellent shape. A few days of bright sunny days will push the plants to heavy production.

Star1pup · « **Reply #11 on:** October 17, 2005, 07:32:52 AM »

I love stewed rhubarb and rhubarb pie. We also makes some great rhubarb wine. Maybe that's why I passed a stone while in deer camp a couple years ago. :cry: Try that when you're miles from an emergency room and need 4-wheel drive to get there over bumpy logging roads. OUCH!

Star1pup · « **Reply #12 on:** January 26, 2006, 08:56:12 AM »

My favorite meal is stewed rhubarb on biscuits with fried potatoes and crappie fillets. Fit for a king even if it does cause stones. I passed a nice stone once while deep in the Allegheny National Forest. Nasty, but I'll still eat my rhubarb pie and sip an occasional rhubarb wine.