Canning Rhubarb Simple Syrup: Tart and Sweet Flavor for Refreshing Beverages Recipe

Introduction

Rhubarb simple syrup is a delightful blend of tart and sweet flavors that can elevate a variety of beverages and desserts. Easy to make and perfect for beginners, this syrup is great for canning, freezing, or storing in the fridge. Use it to enhance cocktails, lemonade, iced tea, or even as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.

Ingredients

• 4 cups rhubarb, chopped
• 6 cups sugar
• 6 cups water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Wash and chop the rhubarb into approximately 1-inch pieces.
2. Step 2: In a large stock pot, combine water, sugar, and chopped rhubarb. Simmer gently for 30 minutes.
3. Step 3: While simmering, sterilize your canning jars, lids, and rings by running them through a dishwasher rinse cycle or boiling them.
4. Step 4: Strain the hot mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove rhubarb pieces. Save the strained rhubarb for other recipes if desired.
5. Step 5: Pour the hot syrup into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Wipe the rims clean, and apply sterilized lids and rings, tightening them finger tight.
6. Step 6: Place jars in a boiling water canner, ensuring water covers jars by 1-2 inches. Process for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool on a towel.
7. Step 7: Once cooled, check seals. Store sealed jars in the pantry for 1-2 years. Refrigerate any jars that did not seal and use within a few weeks.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, add 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract during simmering to create a rhubarb vanilla syrup.
• You can replace sugar with honey to keep the syrup safe for canning, though the flavor will vary slightly.
• If not canning, reduce sugar or substitute with Stevia to cut down on sweetness.
• To freeze instead, fill jars leaving 1 inch headspace to allow for expansion and use plastic freezer-safe lids or containers.

Storage

Store sealed jars of canned rhubarb syrup in a cool, dark pantry for up to 1-2 years. Refrigerate any unsealed jars and use within two weeks. For freezing, leave enough headspace in jars and thaw in the refrigerator before use. Reheat gently if needed to mix before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

When canning, it’s important to maintain at least a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water for safety and preservation. However, if you do not plan to can the syrup, you can reduce sugar or substitute with sweeteners like Stevia.

How can I use rhubarb simple syrup?

This syrup is very versatile: mix it with sparkling water for a refreshing soda, add it to cocktails, stir into lemonade or iced tea, or drizzle over ice cream and yogurt for a sweet-tart treat.