Actually, rhubarb is a vegetable. Payback for tomato being a fruit. Rhubarb is a harbinger of spring and is usually married with fruit -- apples, strawberries, oranges -- so guilt by association, I guess.

Now is the time to avail yourself of young, tender, less stringy rhubarb. Look for brilliantly colored ribs that are crisp and don't bend easily. You'll be rewarded with a tangy-sweet flavor not unlike tart apples.

While most people are familiar with cooked rhubarb, try it raw in this creamy Polish Rhubarb-Carrot Salad. It's refreshing and a great change of pace.

Photo © 2008 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.