Gourmet Hacks: 5 BEST Substitutes for Rhubarb

Rhubarb’s unique tang is hard to beat in pies and jams.

Finding a stand-in for this vegetable can be a head-scratcher.

We’ve all been there, ready to bake, only to find the rhubarb bin empty.

No sweat, we’ve got you covered with five killer swaps.

These alternatives might surprise you in the best way possible.

Think apples, berries, and even cherries.

They’ll slide into your recipes smoother than butter on warm toast.

Creating that perfect balance of sweet and tart doesn’t always need rhubarb.

Stick with us, and you’ll never miss a beat in the kitchen again.

What is Rhubarb?

Rhubarb is a vegetable that is related to the rose family. It can grow up to 100 cm high.

Rhubarb is native to Asia but has been cultivated in Europe for over 400 years.

Rhubarb leaves are poisonous and contain high concentrations of oxalic acid, which explains why they are discarded during cooking.

However, the stalks of the plant are safe to eat and can be used in a wide range of dishes.

Rhubarb is often cooked with sugar to create desserts such as pies, crumbles, and fools.

It has been reported that the Romans mixed it with honey when they first tried it.

They are usually pink or red in appearance, though they can also be green depending on the variety of rhubarb.

Although they look quite sweet, rhubarb stalks have a tart flavor.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a unique and tart vegetable often used in desserts, jams, and savory dishes.

However, if you are unable to find fresh rhubarb or prefer alternative flavors, there are several substitutes available.

In this guide, we will compare the top 5 substitutes for rhubarb, discussing their key characteristics and suggesting proper ratios to help you achieve similar results in your recipes.

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Proper Ratio
Strawberries With Lemon	Sweet and tangy combination; resembles the flavor profile of rhubarb when cooked	Use an equal amount of strawberries with lemon as a substitute for rhubarb
Cranberries	Tart and slightly sour berries; can mimic the tanginess of rhubarb in recipes	Use an equal amount of cranberries as a substitute for rhubarb
Quinces	Fragrant and tart fruit; provides a similar texture and acidity to rhubarb	Use an equal amount of quinces as a substitute for rhubarb
Tart Apples	Crisp and slightly sour apples; offer a comparable texture and tartness to rhubarb	Use an equal amount of tart apples as a substitute for rhubarb
Raspberries	Sweet and slightly tart berries; can contribute to a similar flavor profile when combined with other fruits	Use an equal amount of raspberries as a substitute for rhubarb

Now let’s dive into each substitute in more detail:

1 – Strawberries With Lemon

This method is perfect if you are looking for a sweet taste but without the required amount of sugar.

First and foremost, you will need to choose your strawberries carefully.

They must be ripe, as this will affect the overall flavor.

You’ll also need to use lemon juice, not just lemon zest or peel.

This will give you a sweet and sour flavor perfect for desserts.

As the strawberry already contains sugar, you won’t need to add any more.

If you are not sure how much juice to use, you should taste the mixture as you add it slowly.

• Key Characteristics: Combining strawberries with a splash of lemon juice can create a sweet and tangy flavor combination that resembles the taste profile of rhubarb when cooked.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of strawberries with lemon as a substitute for rhubarb. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements and desired level of tartness.

2 – Cranberries

Cranberries are an excellent alternative to rhubarb.

They have a tart flavor that can be easily complemented with sugar.

In addition, cranberry juice contains significantly more vitamin C than lemon juice or grapefruit juice, which can provide you with numerous health benefits.

As for the taste, it is easy to understand why cranberries are so popular.

They have a sour and tangy flavor that tastes great with meat and rice.

Cranberries also have extremely beneficial properties.

They are packed full of antioxidants that can help your body in several different ways.

For instance, they may be useful for helping to prevent urinary tract infections.

• Key Characteristics: Cranberries are tart and slightly sour berries that can mimic the tanginess of rhubarb in recipes. They work well in desserts, sauces, and jams.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of cranberries as a substitute for rhubarb. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements and desired level of tartness.

3 – Quinces

According to research, quinces may be an excellent substitute for rhubarb, containing several antioxidants.

Quince is the fruit that grows on trees belonging to the genus Cydonia.

It’s commonly used in cooking as it has a strong flavor and pleasant aroma.

It can often replace apples and pears in various recipes.

This fruit tastes like apples and pears, but it has a sweeter taste.

It is often used in desserts such as pies, compotes, and jams.

• Key Characteristics: Quinces are fragrant and tart fruits that provide a similar texture and acidity to rhubarb when cooked. They can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of quinces as a substitute for rhubarb. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements and desired level of tartness.

4 – Tart Apples

First and foremost, you should remember that cooking apples are not the best option in this case.

Instead, choose an apple variety that is tart.

The sourness of the apples will provide a perfect balance to the overall dish.

You can even use one or two Granny Smiths as they have a particularly strong flavor.

As for the number of apples, this will depend entirely on your personal preferences.

Using tart apples goes hand in hand with reducing the number of sugars included in the recipe.

This is because apple juice itself already contains a large amount of sugar.

• Key Characteristics: Tart apples, such as Granny Smith or Bramley, have a crisp and slightly sour flavor that offers a comparable texture and tartness to rhubarb. They work well in pies, crumbles, and compotes.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of tart apples as a substitute for rhubarb. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements and desired level of tartness.

5 – Raspberries

Raspberries are a tasty fruit that can easily substitute the tartness of rhubarb.

They have a strong, sweet flavor packed full of vitamins and minerals.

If you plan to use raspberries as an alternative to rhubarb, then it’s best to do so in jams or tarts.

However, you could also use them to make raspberry rhubarb juice.

The key to this recipe is to remember that raspberries are even sweeter than apples, so you should be careful not to add too much sugar.

You will need to taste the dish to get the ideal sweetness level.

• Key Characteristics: Raspberries are sweet and slightly tart berries that can contribute to a similar flavor profile when combined with other fruits. They work well in desserts, sauces, and drinks.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of raspberries as a substitute for rhubarb. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements and desired level of tartness.

Conclusion

Rhubarb is a popular fruit often used in sweet and savory dishes.

Unfortunately, rhubarb can be difficult to use, as it doesn’t taste the best when served alone.

Moreover, there isn’t always enough sugar to make this tart fruit taste good.

Luckily, there are several other options that you could choose instead of rhubarb.

These alternatives can provide a similar flavor just as tart and sour.

In addition, these alternatives are packed full of antioxidants and contain many other nutrients.

Just remember to select your replacement ingredient depending on the dish carefully you’re cooking – otherwise, the result could be disastrous.