Was curious ----here is what I found on line. Rhubarb can be described as a leaf that has a long, fleshy petiole. Though in the botanical sense, it is a vegetable, it is usually treated as a fruit by the consumers. A relative of buckwheat, the fruit has an earthy and acerbic flavor. In fact, the acidity of rhubarb is so high that you need sugar, honey or fruit juice to balance it completely.It is native to western China and is usually cultivated in cold climates. Since rhubarb is mainly used for the purpose of making pies, its plant is often known as ‘pie plant’. Though the fruit is also available in fresh form, it is the frozen variety that is more commonly used. In the following lines, we have provided information on the health and nutrition benefits of eating rhubarb. Nutritional Value of Rhubarb Given below is the amount of nutrients in 100 gm of Rhubarb: Sodium - 4 mg Total Carbohydrates - 5gm Dietary Fiber - 2 gmSugars - 1gmProtein - 1gm Vitamin A - 102 IU Vitamin C - 8 mgVitamin E - 0.38 mg Vitamin K - 41 mcg Thiamin - 0.02 mg Riboflavin - 0.03 mg Niacin - 0.3 mg Vitamin B6 - 0.024 mg Folate - 7 mcg Pantothenic Acid - 0.085 mcg Calcium - 86 mg Iron - 0.22 mg Magnesium - 12 mg Phosphorus - 14 mg Potassium - 288 mg Sodium - 4 mgZinc - 0.1 mg Copper - 0.021 mg Manganese - 0.196 mgSelenium - 1.1 mcgTotal Fat - 0.2 mgHealth & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Rhubarb Studies have shown that rhubarb has anti-cancer properties and might help in cutting down the risk of cancer. Fresh rhubarb stalk is a very good source of dietary fiber and is beneficial for those suffering from indigestion.Eating a cold piece of rhubarb stalk can help counterbalance stomach acid and thus, restore health.Regular consumption of fresh rhubarb has been seen to have a positive effect on lowering of blood pressure.It is believed that regular intake of rhubarb extract can help in diminishing the problem of hot flashes. Rhubarb has anti-bacterial properties and when applied topically, can inhibit the problem of staphylococcus aureus.Researches have suggested that rhubarb can prove to be beneficial for those suffering from high cholesterol.Rhubarb has been found to have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties.
Some interesting stuff there Red, don't see how eating something acidic can reduce stomach acid though.
Actually it can Ziggy. If you suffer from GERD. One of the most natural things to take is pickle juice. Look it up. I will drink some when I get indigestion and its gone. Hate man made pills.
Here's a link to some info - some of it may sound a bit contradictory but it is interesting reading. The Acid/Alkaline Foods List Although it doesn't say so, the more you cook something the less alkalising it becomes. So, as an example, eating fresh grapefruit reduces the acidity of the stomach but if you grill it first it increases the acidity. Happy eating
Other info. that wine (&jam?) makers may be interested in: Rhubarb stems are generally more acidic than cooking apples (the main acid is Malic). Water content is approx 95% of weight of stems Pectin <0.5% (so slighty less than strawberries, and around a quarter of that in apple juice). Tannin 0.1% (same as cherries, gooseberries and redcurrants).
