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Oh, Rhubarb, Oh Rhubarb...how I love thee!

Oh, Rhubarb, Oh Rhubarb...how I love thee!

Oh, Rhubarb, Oh Rhubarb...how I love thee! 

This morning, as I was driving through the rolling countryside on my way to the store, I took note of the signs on a couple of the community halls. One promoted a fundraising concert for a neighbour suffering an illness; one wished someone a happy birthday, another invited everyone to a rhubarb social. 

It’s efforts like these that make communities. People are coming together in good times and in bad. And to celebrate the spring harvest of delicious local rhubarb.

These rhubarb socials are a lovely Island tradition. Community halls fill with people enjoying rhubarb pie, cake, squares, whatever rhubarb delights created by those wishing to share with friends and neighbours. Tea and coffee are served, sometimes someone is playing a fiddle, and there is always good conversation.

A similar thing happens with strawberries later in the summer. Shortcake, strawberries, and ice cream…yum. If you’re ever in Prince Edward Island and see a sign advertising such a social, you should stop in and enjoy!

Now, back to rhubarb!

Shirley and I have a patch of this wonderful spring vegetable in our garden. We’ve been eating it on a daily basis. Stewing it and enjoying with yogurt for breakfast, or directly on our toast, (a rare occasion when we don't put our preserves on toast, LOL) and of course chopping and freezing it for later in the year.

If you don’t have access to fresh rhubarb where you live, you may enjoy the Rhubarb Relish and Strawberry & Rhubarb, or Blackcurrant and Rhubarb; we make at the Preserve Company. 


I would love to hear more about your own community traditions. Do you have rhubarb or strawberry (or other fruit/veg) socials where you live?

Have a lovely weekend! 

Sincerely, 

Bruce

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Comments

Debby Pettis - June 5, 2017

Well, we have a few such socials in NS but not nearly as many as my “summertime” home ~ PEI !! And folks ~ I can vouch for the Rhubarb Relish !! Bruce suggested it to me at a craft show a few years ago and we haven’t been with out it in our fridge ever since !! YUM :)

Pat Munson - June 3, 2017

Dear Bruce: We visited your store last September on a tour. We did not get to stay long enough. Everyone was so nice. Thanks for the hospitality and the wonderful preserves. I enjoy your blog very much. We hope to visit PEI again and will definitely come by your place!

Pat Munson - June 3, 2017

DearBruce: We visited your store on a tour last September. We loved meeting you and visiting the store. We didn’t really have near enough time. Thanks for all your

Flora Mclean - June 3, 2017

Love rhubarb! No socials here in northern NB but it’s something to think about!

Jean Butcher - June 3, 2017

I am originally from Island and love rubarb. I live in Ontario. Would you share a nice rubato jam recipe with me for my own use only

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