Currant-fruited rhubarb, Rawash
Rheum ribes
Family: Polygonaceae
What it is like
A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. The stems are solid and warty. The leaf stalks are rough. The leaf blade is 30-50 cm long by 25-40 cm wide. They are heart shaped.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. In Pakistan it grows between 1,000-4,000 m altitude.
Countries/locations it is found in
Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Europe, France, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Mediterranean, Middle East, Pakistan, Russia, Syria, Turkey, Türkiye
How it is used for food
The leaf stalks are used as a vegetable. They are made into pies and preserves. They have the favour of currants. The outer part of the stem is removed and then eaten raw. The leaves are used for sarma in Turkey. They are rolled around a filling of rice or minced meat. The root is used as a hot drink.
They are sold at local markets.
Edible parts
Flowers, seeds, leaves, leaf stalks, root - drink, stems
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Isgin, Iskin, Kap, Revas, Rewas, Rewes, Ribes, Rives