Q. Some of my friends have rhubarb with green stalks. Can this rhubarb be used successfully in pies? – Joan, Springfield, Ill.
A. Rhubarb stalks come in a variety of colors ranging from light green to ruby red and speckled pink. Most commonly, green rhubarb stalks on a rhubarb plant are the unripe stalks and will not be as sweet as ripe red stalks. While safe to eat, you may need to adjust the sugar in the recipe to accommodate the tart flavor of green stalks. The color of the pie will also have a paler green appearance. As late spring progresses, the green rhubarb stalks should ripen and turn red.
