Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Rhubarb Jam

Published: September 11, 2026

Rhubarb grows like a weed in my garden so I’m always looking for new ways to utilize it, especially in a savory way. We don’t eat a lot of sweets in our house so that eliminates a lot of rhubarb recipes off the bat as this vegetable seems to be treated like a fruit most often in the cooking world.

I’ve enjoyed stretching my culinary curiosity with some new rhubarb recipes the past few years. I’ve especially enjoyed the challenge of creating new flavour profiles and making something a little outside the box.

Rhubarb Health Benefits

While we seem to treat rhubarb like a fruit, it comes with some great health benefits as most vegetables do.

Rhubarb can help to keep bones healthy, reduces the risk of osteoporosis and may assist in wound healing thanks to it’s vitamin K.
Vitamin K can also protect against heart disease.
Rhubarb has a group of compounds called sennosides which can help with digestion.
It’s a source of potassium, which can lower blood pressure.
It can reduce the risk of cancer thanks to a group of phytochemicals called anthocyanins which is also what give rhubarb its pink/red colour.
Anthocyanins are also known to reduce inflammation.
Rhubarb contains manganese which can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes; and
Rhubarb contains vitamin C which helps maintain healthy eyes.

Below is a recipe for sweet and spicy rhubarb jam which will make a great addition to our charcuterie board. The familiar sweet rhubarb pairs well with the chili flakes and is delicious with a cheddar cheese or baked on a brie.