Rhubarb, the Pie Plant

In the northern U.S. rhubarb (pronounced roo'-barb) grows rampant.  It's a perennial plant that must be planted in the garden initially but seems to live eternally and spread at will. I bet there is rhubarb growing in every yard in every city in Minnesota. Rhubarb is a real neighborly plant. When you make something out of rhubarb, you almost always share it with family or neighbors. These rhubarb muffins are for you. Enjoy!

Rhubarb has a split personality. I was shocked to learn that it is considered to be a VEGETABLE! And yet it pretends to be a fruit. You will always find it in pies, cakes, sauces, etc., but you will never find it in a vegetable stir fry. Rhubarb is breathtakingly sour. After eating it, your teeth feel like the enamel has been removed, but actually your palate has been cleansed by the high acidity of this . . . um . . . vegetable. And it's a real cowboy in your digestive tract.

Rhubarb originated in ancient China, and the root of the plant was identified as having medicinal qualities. Only the stalks should be eaten--the giant green leaves of the plant are poisonous. So . . . this innocent looking plant is a vegetable disguised as a fruit, and it can either kill you or cure you. Muffin?