Rhubarb is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S., driven by the culinary and foodie sector wanting the long, thick-stalked vegetable.
“Demand is in more high-end retailers” explained Robert Schueller of Los Angeles based Melissa’s Produce. “We anticipate an increase for rhubarb demand between three and seven percent in comparison to the previous season, but only time will actually tell.”
Right now, rhubarb prices remain expectedly high, as the vegetable is coming from Europe. “Hot house rhubarb has been available out of Holland for import in the US since the holiday season. The price was really high at that time, so few retailers carried it in December or January.”
Prices will drop by mid-February as domestic hot house rhubarb grown in Washington state becomes available, and more retailers will jump at the chance to carry it.
“Best pricing on domestic rhubarb then starts in March and that time it is all field grown in Washington, Oregon and California; that season will go through September, ending in California,” said Schueller. “Pricing between April and June is most ideal for domestic crops.
“Overall, the growth trend for rhubarb is up, and there is an eight to 10-month selling season by multiple growers, internationally and domestically.”
