Old Pie Favorite Rhubarb Has Natural Remedy Uses

SPARTA, Mich., March 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A reprisal is underway for family pie favorite, rhubarb, as generations are learning about its new natural, eco-friendly uses in cleaning, repelling insects and healing. Rhubarb remains a favorite in cooking and baking for its ability to balance the sweetness of desserts and confections with its tart full flavor.

For years, rhubarb has been a long time favorite in pies, jams, cakes, sauces, muffins and breads. The strong flavor is enhanced when combined with other fruits such as strawberries, cherries, and apples.

Rhubarb also has uses outside of the oven. The Rhubarb Compendium (rhubarbinfo.com) reports that the vegetable (not fruit as commonly mistaken) can be used as an eco-friendly way to clean pots and pans. Its leaves which can't be used in cooking can be used as an "organic insecticide for leaf eating insects such as cabbage caterpillars, aphids, and peach and cherry slugs." The pie favorite is also reported to have herbal qualities used in traditional Chinese medicine.

It is one of the first plants to appear in spring gardens - fairing the best in colder weather climates such as Michigan.

Publix Super Markets in Florida have consistently stocked their shelves with Michigan-grown rhubarb in their over 1000 stores. Riveridge Produce Marketing, Inc., of Sparta, Mich., is shipping large amounts of the fresh rhubarb to Publix. The rhubarb is available at these stores from February to early July.

For more information including rhubarb recipes and availability at a store near you, please contact Publix supermarkets or call Riveridge at 800.968.8833.

About Riveridge Produce Marketing

Riveridge Produce Marketing, Inc. is a Sparta, Michigan-based company representing produce growers throughout Michigan and North America, including fourth-, fifth- and sixth-generation apple farmers. Riveridge is located in the Michigan fruit belt "The Ridge" known for its ideal growing conditions for apples. A full-service fresh-apple grower, packer and exporter, Riveridge specializes in bringing unique varieties to market and currently distributes more than 20 varieties throughout the United States as well as globally. Additional product lines include: old-fashioned apple cider, gourmet caramel apples, Michigan sweet cherries and red-tart cherry-juice concentrate. Please visit our website at riveridgeproduce.com.

SOURCE Riveridge Produce Marketing

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