Rhubarb tastes very tart and sour, similar to grapefruit or sour green apples, with a mouth-puckering quality like lemon. Raw rhubarb is quite sour and crunchy, somewhat like celery in texture, but with a distinctive tangy flavor. Many people find it too sour to eat raw without adding sugar, which is why it is often cooked with a lot of sugar or paired with sweet fruits like strawberries or raspberries to balance its tartness
. Some describe rhubarb's flavor as a unique combination of sour cherries, celery, and green apple, with an earthy note and a texture that some people love and others dislike. It can be enjoyed both in sweet dishes like pies and crumbles or in savory preparations such as chutneys and relishes
. In summary, rhubarb has a strong tart and sour taste that becomes pleasantly tart and slightly sweet when cooked with sugar, making it a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory recipes
