Rhubarb Jello is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of honey, set with gelatin to create a refreshing treat. This homemade version offers a healthier alternative to store-bought gelatin desserts, allowing you to control the ingredients and avoid artificial additives. It’s perfect for spring gatherings or as a special family treat.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 cups rhubarb chunks (fresh or frozen and defrosted), cut into 1-inch slices
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup raw, sustainably sourced honey
• 3 tablespoons sustainably sourced gelatin
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare the Gelatin Base: Pour the water into a medium-sized saucepan. Sprinkle the gelatin over the water’s surface, allowing it to dissolve for about 1 minute.
2. Heat the Gelatin Mixture: Gently heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes steaming and foamy.
3. Cook the Rhubarb: Add the rhubarb chunks to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stir briefly, then cover and cook over low heat for 5 minutes.
4. Cool the Mixture: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for approximately 10 minutes.
5. Blend the Mixture: Transfer the rhubarb mixture to a blender. Add the honey and vanilla extract. Puree the mixture for about 30 seconds until smooth.
6. Set the Jello: Pour the pureed mixture into your desired mold or serving dish. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until fully set.
7. Serve: To unmold, briefly run hot water over the sides and underside of the mold to loosen the gelatin. Use a spatula to serve or flip the gelatin directly onto a serving plate. Garnish as desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 120 kcal
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 5mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 28g
• Protein: 1g

The History and Benefits of Rhubarb

Rhubarb, often referred to as the “pie plant,” has been a staple in kitchens for centuries. Originally native to Asia, rhubarb was used for medicinal purposes long before it became popular in cooking. It was introduced to North America in the 19th century, where it quickly gained popularity as a vegetable used in desserts, particularly pies. The plant itself is a vegetable, but due to its tart flavor, it is often used in sweet dishes, giving it the distinctive contrast that we love.

Rhubarb is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to your diet. It is particularly high in vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in bone health and blood clotting. Additionally, rhubarb is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and calcium. It is also low in calories, which makes it an excellent choice for those looking to add more nutrients without consuming excessive calories.

The unique tartness of rhubarb is balanced perfectly in this recipe by the addition of honey, making it an ideal ingredient for desserts that need a balance of sweetness and tang. While many people are familiar with rhubarb pie, using it in Jello form provides a fun and different way to enjoy this versatile plant.

Why Make Homemade Jello?

While store-bought Jello is convenient, it often contains artificial flavorings, colors, and sweeteners. Making Jello from scratch with natural ingredients, like rhubarb and honey, ensures that you are avoiding these additives and can enjoy a cleaner, more wholesome dessert. By using gelatin in this recipe, you not only avoid artificial preservatives but also provide your body with a natural source of collagen, which is beneficial for joint health, skin elasticity, and overall cellular repair.

Gelatin, the main ingredient in Jello, is derived from animal collagen and provides a variety of health benefits. It is high in amino acids like glycine and proline, which are essential for maintaining the structure of the skin, hair, and nails. It also supports gut health by improving the integrity of the gut lining, helping to prevent conditions like leaky gut syndrome.

Another advantage of making homemade Jello is the ability to customize the sweetness and flavors to suit your preferences. In this recipe, honey is used as a natural sweetener, providing a healthier alternative to refined sugars. Honey also contains beneficial antioxidants and has antibacterial properties, making it an excellent choice for sweetening desserts naturally.

The Role of Honey in Rhubarb Jello

Honey plays a significant role in balancing the tartness of rhubarb and adding depth to the flavor profile of this Jello. Unlike refined sugar, honey is not just sweet; it also carries its own unique flavor notes that can vary depending on the type of honey used. For instance, wildflower honey might lend a floral undertone, while clover honey has a mild, pleasant sweetness. The use of raw honey in this recipe ensures that you are getting the maximum health benefits, as raw honey contains enzymes, antioxidants, and vitamins that are often destroyed in processed honey.

Honey’s natural sweetness also means that you can reduce the overall sugar content in the Jello, making it a more health-conscious dessert option. Additionally, honey’s viscosity gives the Jello a smoother and silkier texture than refined sugar alone would provide.

Making the Perfect Rhubarb Jello

To make the perfect Rhubarb Jello, the key is in balancing the ingredients to achieve the right texture and flavor. The gelatin must be dissolved properly to ensure that the Jello sets correctly, creating a smooth, firm texture. It’s essential to heat the rhubarb and water mixture just enough to break down the rhubarb and release its natural juices, without overcooking it, which can lead to a mushy texture. Once pureed and mixed with honey, the rhubarb mixture should be poured into molds and allowed to set in the fridge for several hours.

As the Jello sets, it absorbs the vibrant color and tart flavor of the rhubarb, resulting in a stunning dessert that is both refreshing and indulgent. The key is to let the Jello chill for long enough to achieve the proper consistency, and this may take up to several hours, depending on the size of the mold.

The Versatility of Rhubarb Jello

While Rhubarb Jello is perfect on its own, it also serves as a versatile base for a variety of creative presentations and toppings. You can top the Jello with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast. For an added touch, sprinkle some finely grated citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to bring out the tart notes of the rhubarb even further. The texture of the Jello allows it to pair wonderfully with crunchy elements like granola or crushed nuts for added depth.

If you’re serving the Jello at a larger gathering or dinner party, consider making individual servings in small glass cups or jars. This presentation not only looks elegant but also makes it easier for guests to enjoy their own portion without needing to cut or serve from a large mold. You can even layer the Rhubarb Jello with other homemade gelatin flavors, such as strawberry or lemon, for a colorful and flavorful display.

Rhubarb Jello can also be used as a topping for cakes, cupcakes, or ice cream. Its firm consistency allows it to be cut into small cubes, which can then be scattered over a frosted cake for added color and flavor. The tartness of the rhubarb complements the sweetness of cakes and cupcakes, creating a beautiful balance that will impress your guests.

The Health Benefits of Rhubarb Jello

Not only is Rhubarb Jello a delicious treat, but it also offers a range of health benefits. As mentioned earlier, rhubarb is packed with vitamins and minerals that support overall health. When made with natural sweeteners like honey, this dessert is much lower in refined sugars than its store-bought counterparts, making it a healthier option for those who are mindful of their sugar intake.

The gelatin used in this recipe is also beneficial for joint health, skin elasticity, and gut function. By incorporating gelatin into your diet, you can improve your collagen levels, which are essential for maintaining the strength and flexibility of connective tissues in the body. Additionally, the amino acids found in gelatin help with the repair and regeneration of cells, making it an excellent addition to any diet aimed at improving skin and joint health.

For those who are watching their calorie intake, Rhubarb Jello is a relatively low-calorie dessert. It provides a sweet treat without the heavy calorie count found in many other desserts, making it a perfect choice for those who want to indulge without overdoing it.

Conclusion

Rhubarb Jello is a unique and refreshing dessert that brings the tart flavor of rhubarb to life with the natural sweetness of honey and the smooth texture of gelatin. Whether you’re looking for a new way to use rhubarb in the kitchen or simply want a healthier alternative to traditional Jello, this homemade recipe is sure to become a favorite.