Buying Frozen Rhubarb

Can anyone tell me where I might be able to buy some frozen rhubarb? Or fresh would be better. Could it possibly come dried? I live in California's San Joaquin Valley and have searched and searched for rhubarb. It apparently won't grow around here, and I haven't found it for sale anywhere. Seems that Dole used to offer it frozen, but I can find no reference to that at all. Does anyone have any ideas?

wondernana from Clovis, CA

Answers:

Looking For Frozen Rhubarb

Fresh rhubarb has just started appearing in our fresh fruit/vegetable section in the stores as well as the farmer's markets (Indiana). I would suggest an ethnic grocery store if you haven't already. As for frozen, try closer to Thanksgiving at the grocery that has a good selection of unique/odd items. Another thought is to ask at the customer service desk if they can order it frozen. Our local grocery will do this, especially with items that will last on the shelves. Maybe try a restaurant supplier. Sorry that this doesn't help you right now. I went through the same dilemma last year at Christmas. I was going to make a rhubarb pie for my husband and voila my main ingredient (which had been in the fresh and frozen section up until 2 weeks before I needed it!) was nowhere to be found. (08/31/2008)

By April

Looking For Frozen Rhubarb

Here in Michigan, I've always thought of rhubarb as an early spring crop, not fall. But as I watered my little rhubarb patch today, I saw one lovely new leaf, so maybe it can be a fall crop too. How about Whole Foods? or Trader Joes? I see it frequently at Meijers (and am astounded at the price of something that grows like a weed once the patch is established), but that is a regional chain, far from California. (08/31/2008)

By Holly