How to Store Rhubarb
Rhubarb stalks keep best when very cold and lightly protected from drying. The leaves are not stored or used, so remove and discard them after harvest.
Best storage conditions
Store at 32 to 36 F with high humidity, about 95 percent, and no light. Refrigeration is ideal.
How long it keeps
Fresh stalks usually keep 1 to 2 weeks. Longer storage is best by freezing.
Storage methods
Remove leaves, leave stalks unwashed until use, and keep them in a perforated plastic bag or wrapped loosely to hold moisture. Do not store at room temperature for more than a day or two. Avoid sealing the stalks wet.
Freezing & preserving
Rhubarb freezes very well, raw or briefly blanched. It can also be dried or canned in sauces, jams, or other acidified products. For any home canning, use tested USDA or NCHFP recipes.
Tips
Use cut or bruised stalks first. If stalks start to limp, process them soon rather than holding longer.
General home-storage guidance. For home canning and preserving safety, follow USDA and National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP) guidelines. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.