Life in Southeast Alaska

Canning Rhubarb in Syrup

I decided it was time to harvest my rhubarb - I picked most of it!  It was starting to look more like a jungle than a garden - I probably should have harvested awhile ago.  I was able to get to the raspberry bushes and get them tied up before they start getting ripe - the bushes are pretty loaded!

I clipped off the rhubarb leaves and put them in the compost and brought the stalks in.

It took me awhile to wash and chop the stalks, sorting out the bad ones as I went.  I put them in a big bowl.

I measured 20 cups into one big pot with 5 cups of sugar and 16 cups into another big pot with 4 cups of sugar, stirring to combine well.  The directions said to set aside for 3 to 4 hours and let the juices come out.  It was already late, so I put them in the fridge overnight.  Tonight, this is what it looked like - lots of juice!

Next, I brought the mixture to a boil and got my canner ready for boiling water bath.  Got the jars, lids and rings ready too.  These kind of projects make me wish for a bigger stove, or bigger kitchen.

Then fill up the jars, wipe rims, fit with hot lid and ring.

Then lower into the hot water in the canner, making sure there is a couple inches of water above the jars.  Bring to boil (this took forever!) and boil for 15 minutes.  I put the lid on the canner to keep in the heat.

Let sit in the canner for 5 minutes after turning off the heat before you take out the jars.  Then I just put them on a towel on the counter.  I had extra to taste - it is very good, just the right amount of sweet for the tart I think.  I look forward to using it for rhubarb crisp, as a pie filling, over ice cream...  I ended up with 13 pints and 1 half-pint - hope they all seal!  I'm pleased that they kept their color, I worried about them looking like yucky mush  :o)

They are so pretty!!

11:44 PM, Wednesday, July 23, 2008 .. Posted by pinkhorseofcourse

I love that you show step by step with pictures! I am so excited to get my canner.. I don't know what to start with first though.. my garden is coming along a bit slowly.. too much rain I think. =( Kind of disappointing. Ya know, I have never tasted Rhubarb. I might have to find some at the farmer's market or something.. or a nice pie.. yeah, THAT sounds good. Blessings to you!!
Jennifer

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1:35 AM, Thursday, July 24, 2008 .. Posted by Tiredmamaof5

You are so inspirering when it comes to canning and preparing food for winter. :0)
Hugs,
nikki

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7:53 AM, Thursday, July 24, 2008 .. Posted by haflinger

Great job..It will taste sooo good this winter .
Great Tutorial ...I like the step by step helps me understand better..
Sister Brenda

Gorgeous!

7:55 AM, Thursday, July 24, 2008 .. Posted by ushappyokies

GORGEOUS rhubarb. Do you grow it from seed or are there plants? Thanks for sharing your knowledge it's just wonderful to have all this great information.
Blessings,
Pam

Hi Pam~
I started my rhubarb from plants - divisions from established patch. I have tried to grow it from seed, but it doesn't do as well. It is better to find someone with a patch who needs to divide theirs. Good luck!
~Michelle

Edited by mdonohue on Thursday, July 24, 2008 at 11:56 AM

Rhubarb.......yummy

2:11 PM, Thursday, July 24, 2008 .. Posted by Anonymous

thank you for the canning tips. I didn't realize you could can rhubarb. I only have a small patch of rhubarb, and I think mine is done for the year.

Gill from Canada

http:thatbritishwoman.blogspot.com

WOW

4:48 PM, Thursday, July 24, 2008 .. Posted by mominpa

I am so impressed with all your canning-- that is so terrific!!

I thought of you when I saw this "Carnival"....if you are interested:

http://laurawilliamsmusings.blogspot.com/search/label/Carnival%20of%20Home%20Preserving


http://homeschoolblogger.com/mominpa

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10:30 AM, Monday, July 28, 2008 .. Posted by Anonymous

Thanks for joining in the <a href="http://quiverfullfamily.com/blog/2008/07/28/the-carnival-of-home-preserving-july-28-2008/">Carnival of Home Preserving for July 28th.</a> Please let your readers know that the carnival is now up!

Thank you!

1:38 PM, Tuesday, July 29, 2008 .. Posted by Cousin Sarah

I loved the tutorial- now I know how to can rubharb! Thanks :) Very pretty when done!