Overjoyed. Ecstatic. Lucky. That’s how I felt when I realized my new home had a healthy crop of rhubarb growing in the backyard. I told anyone who would listen about my recent discovery. Little did I know that rhubarb is actually quite common and considered a Minnesota staple. My self-proclaimed VIP rhubarb status quickly fell to general admission.

Some rhubarb fun facts:
•    Technically a vegetable but culinarily used as a fruit
•    Lanesboro claims the title of Rhubarb Capital of Minnesota
•    Sumner, Wash., is the Rhubarb Pie Capital

After realizing that my rhubarb isn’t rare, I’ve seen it crop up everywhere – friends’ backyards, running paths, you name it. Apparently, fresh rhubarb is at its peak when used prior to July 4th. So grab some stalks and get cooking! (You can also freeze fresh rhubarb for later use if you’re not feeling up to the challenge.)

Here are just a few of the things you can do with rhubarb:

Rhubarb Crisp (photo courtesy of Evan Sun for The New York Times)

Rhubarb Scones

Rhubarb Syrup

Rhubarb Cream Cheese Hand Pies

Rhubarb and Raspberry Yogurt Ice Pops