Wednesday 4 May 2016

Rhubarb cordial

I am a very lucky lady!  When I moved to my present house I had to leave my rhubarb crown behind, which as far as I was concerned was a tragedy.  I missed those first succulent pink sticks of tangy pleasure.  I have to admit that towards the end of the season I got fed up with the sight of rhubarb - it's one of those plants which doesn't know when to stop - but the first few sticks!  Bliss!

I happened to mention my rhubarb separation anxiety one day and that was the start of a tidal wave.  As I say, rhubarb doesn't know when to stop so anyone who has  a good crown and hears about someone else who has no such crown tends to be more than happy to pass on a few goodies,  My problem is that I have quite a few friends who have prolific rhubarb crowns.  I don't like to say no but one really can have too much of a good thing.  There are only so many crumbles, pies and fools that can go down one woman's throat.

However, I have now discovered rhubarb cordial.  Sadly I have drunk the lot so I can't photograph it and show you the beautiful pink colour so you will have to make some for yourself.

Just cook in a saucepan as much surplus rhubarb as you can get together.  Cook unhtil it is mush then strain it through a sieve or colander.  DO NOT PUSH IT THROUGH!  This is important as pushing it through will result in a cloudy cordial.  Just leave it overnight in the strainer.  Then measure the liquid and add 500 grams sugar  and 50 ml lemon juice for every litre of juice.  Bring to the boil to dissolve the sugar then bottle it in sterilised bottles.  Keep chilled.  Drink diluted to taste.  Dilution with Prosecco has also been recommended.  I couldn't possibly comment.


11 comments:

  1. Sounds like my rhubarb syrup I tried this weekend. Of course a cordial and a syrup are similar, but I get alcohol in my head when I hear cordial.

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    1. Interesting difference between English English and American English - cordial is definitely non-alcoholic here. Thanks for that one Sam.
      Mind you, it wouldn't be non-alc. once the Prosecco hit it!

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  2. Another good idea for my rhubarb!!

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  3. Ohhhhhh - sounds divine - I shall make some this weekend and I just happen to have half a dozen bottles of prosecco in the garage to try it with!

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    1. If you've got half a dozen bottles of prosecco hanging around you are even luckier than me!

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  4. I have never tasted rhubarb in any form. I know what it is and can purchase it in the stores but I have never tried it. Maybe I should.

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  5. I will be trying that as soon as I get rhubarb in my garden!

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  6. That sounds incredible! I've never heard of nor thought to do such a thing. I'm itching to try it now though. Because of the American English and English English. How exactly do you enjoy your cordial?

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    1. I enjoy it diluted to taste (about one part cordial to four parts water). I enjoy it very cold. I enjoy it whilst sitting on my swing.

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    2. Fantastic. Then I shall enjoy it while sitting in my lawn chair out back :)

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