Rhubarb— A Tangy-Sweet Traditional Ingredient Worth Baking Into Spring

There’s something magical about the combination of strawberries and rhubarb. The vibrant red fruit and the tart, celery-like stalk create a symphony of flavor — bright, tangy, and just sweet enough. As soon as rhubarb starts showing up at farmers markets and grocery stores, bakers know: spring has officially arrived.

But did you know this timeless pairing is steeped in history?

Rhubarb has been cultivated for more than 2,000 years, originally valued in ancient China for its medicinal properties. It wasn’t until the 18th century that rhubarb made its way into the kitchen, thanks to increased access to affordable sugar (rhubarb is too tart to eat on its own without sweetener!). Once it arrived in Europe — particularly in the United Kingdom — and eventually North America, it quickly became a dessert staple.

Strawberries, native to many parts of the world and long associated with spring and early summer, proved to be rhubarb’s perfect partner. Their natural sweetness complements rhubarb’s bold tang, and together, they became the stars of crisps, cobblers, pies, and preserves — especially in areas where both grow in abundance.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, strawberry-rhubarb desserts are approachable, satisfying, and sure to impress. They’re also a great way to teach balance in baking: acidity vs. sweetness, texture vs. softness, and flavor layering.

Here are two delightful ways to bring this dynamic duo into your kitchen:

#1 Try Chef Gemma Stafford’s Simple Rhubarb Crisp

Looking for an easy introduction to rhubarb baking? Chef Gemma Stafford’s Simple Rhubarb Crisp is a fantastic place to start. It requires minimal ingredients and is beginner-friendly — no rolling pin or pastry crust required! The warm, bubbling filling and crumbly topping make for a rustic dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Serve with vanilla ice cream for the full experience.

#2 Watch Baker Bettie’s Step-by-Step Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Tutorial

Want to step up your skills and go classic? Watch Baker Bettie’s comprehensive Strawberry Rhubarb Pie tutorial for a guided experience through making this iconic dessert from scratch. She’ll walk you through creating a flaky pie crust, balancing the flavors, and assembling a gorgeous pie that’s perfect for any spring celebration — especially Mother’s Day!

These recipes are wonderful for family and consumer science classes, intergenerational baking projects, or weekend kitchen adventures. You can even turn them into classroom activities focusing on food history, science (acidity, thickening agents), or measuring skills.

Pro Tip for Teachers: Have students research regional rhubarb traditions or create personalized pie labels and cards to make their dessert a gift-worthy treat!

The window for fresh rhubarb is short, but its impact is sweet, sour, and unforgettable. So whether you opt for a simple crisp or go all in with a lattice-topped pie, know that you’re taking part in a delicious spring tradition that spans generations and continents. Strawberries and rhubarb just go together — and now, it’s your turn to bring them together in your kitchen.