This ruby rhubarb simple syrup is made with the leftover peel. It's easy and delicious to preserve rhubarb this way.

bottles of pink drink made from rhubarb peel

We love rhubarb. Everything about it. From this rhubarb simple syrup recipe to rhubarb blueberry jam, strawberry rhubarb bundt cake, or German rhubarb pie, rhubarb chicken curry, or rhubarb chicken. Or how about canning rhubarb?

Several years ago, while searching for a new way to preserve rhubarb I came to the idea of making syrup.

Why? Because it is using the peel of the rhubarb. The result is a wonderfully colored syrup, with a tart and lemony taste, refreshing and bursting with flavor.

Do you have to peel rhubarb?

Actually, you don't have to peel it.
All recipes, either jams or cakes, turn out perfectly fine if you leave the peel on.
The peel, which might look so stringy at first, softens during the cooking process, and you will never notice it in the end.
It is a good thing to leave it on, not only because it will not disturb at all the finished dish but also because of its nice color.
So, only peel the rhubarb if a recipe requires that specifically, otherwise, don't bother, leave it on.
But do throw away the leaves; they are poisonous!

What about the peel for the rhubarb syrup?

Well, you will have to peel a few rhubarb stalks if you want to make this simple syrup.
Take the peel you need and use the peeled rhubarb to make any other recipe you feel like making.
This way, you pay (or pick) rhubarb once but have two recipes ready. Very economical, isn't it?

How to make?

Making homemade simple syrup is super easy.
Place the peel in a large pot.
Add sugar, citric acid, and water and bring to a boil.
The citric acid is necessary for preserving the syrup and for a nice lemony taste.
Turn the heat down to low and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of your pot. If the pot is very wide, the syrup will thicken sooner, so check. The liquid should be slightly thicker, but not too much so and not too glossy.
Leave the peel inside the pot, let the syrup cool down, cover and place the pot in a cool place (like a cellar or a pantry).
Let stand for 24 hours.
Strain the syrup and discard the peel.
Return the liquid to the pot, bring to a boil, turn the heat down to low and simmer for 6-8 minutes, until the syrup thickens slightly.
Pour into sterilized bottles and seal.

cooking rhubarb peel in a pot to make syrup

How to keep it?

The rhubarb simple syrup keeps well in a dark cool place for about 1 year.
Always check before using; it should not smell or look weird. If so, discard it.
Once you open a bottle, keep it in the fridge, and consume it within 1-2 weeks.
This recipe makes enough syrup to fill 2 or 3 small bottles.

rhubarb peel syrup on the table with leaves behind

How to use the syrup?

Pour some into a glass and fill it with sparkling water or sparkling wine. I always add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Pour over ice cream, pancakes, crepes, or German waffles.
You can use it to sweeten yogurt, müsli, or various desserts.
Use to moisten cake bases.
I even used it to make cake batter because I was missing the necessary Fanta. I just mixed it up with sparkling water and pretended it was Fanta. It worked.

More syrup recipes?

Recipe

Rhubarb Simple Syrup (with Leftover Peel)

Rhubarb simple syrup made with the leftover peel. A great and easy method of preserving rhubarb and making use of leftovers.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Preserves/Canning Recipes

Cuisine: German

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 50

Total Time: 1

Servings: -3 small bottles

Calories: 1308kcal

Author: Adina

Ingredients

▢ 8.8 oz rhubarb peel
▢ 5 cups granulated sugar
▢ 2 ¼ teaspoons citric acid
▢ 4 ⅓ cups water

Instructions

Wash the rhubarb thoroughly before peeling it. Measure the peel and place it in a pan. Add the rest of the ingredients and bring everything to a boil.
Cook: Turn the heat down to low and let the syrup cook, uncovered for 20-25 minutes, depending on the pot you are using. If the pot is very wide, the cooking time is shorter. The liquid should be slightly thickened, but not too thick.
Rest: Take the pot off the heat, let cool down and keep in the fridge or cellar for 24 hours.
Strain the syrup and discard the peel.
Cook again: Pour the syrup back into the clean pot, bring to a boil and simmer, uncovered for 6-8 minutes.
Store: Pour into the sterilized bottles and seal.