Rhubarnb chutney/jam and Rhubarb schnapps questions!

[Beki]

Hiya, i've got a glut of rhubarb (who hasn't?! lol) and i'm wanting to make rhubarb jam, rhubarb chutney, and rhubarb schnapps.

Now, the jam i'm ok with, as i've made it before. However, i've not made chutney before, so am a bit worried about it! lol

Anyway, i digress.. i've two questions really...

1. If i DO make rhubarb jam/chutney, how long will it store for? Are we talking just a few weeks? Or will it last for say, christmas or the like?

2. Same questions about rhubarb schnapps really. Just wondering... if i let it 'marinade' for the maximum time (6 months), then how long can i expect the strained schnapps to last? Indefinitely, like normal vodka? Or will it have a shorter shelf life because the rhubarb's been in it? Also, can i use the 6-month-soaked rhubarb afterwards, for a boozy crumble or the like? Or just chuck it?

The reason i'm asking really, is because i'd like to put a small hamper together for christmas presents this year. I think that most* people would like it.. just not sure how long jams, chutneys etc will last!

Thanks peeps

[Flummery]

They will all keep for AGES. I'm still using jam and chutney from last year - in fact I've got one or two vintage ones on the go - like about 3 years old! The rhubarb schnapps also keeps well. I'm the only one who likes it so I've still got some of that left too. It's lovely (if you like rhubarb of course!)

[shirlthegirl43]

Wish I had a rhubarb glut to use up Thought I was going to get a good crop this year but something is making lace of the leaves and the stalks aren't growing longer than 6 inches.

You can make lovely wine with rhubarb too Beki

[Beki]

Oh no!!! What a shame!

We had quite a bit last year when we first moved here. But this year it's gone MAD! I picked 1.7kg (or almost 4lb in old money) yesterday. And about half that much a week ago.

Not quite sure what to do with it all at the moment. I'm still mulling it over But i've just stewed about 1lb of it in 1pint of water, some sugar and some vanilla extract and have strained it and put it in the fridge for rhubarb fool later.

The strained juice i've put in the fridge, and me and the little one are enjoying rhubarb-ade right now

Good luck for next years' harvest! xxxx

[Flummery]

I give quite a bit of surplus to some of the local elderly folk (even older than me, that is!) A couple of stick is enough for someone on his/her own and it's never worthwhile growing it for one. It's surprising how grateful people are for something you have in gross excess!

[Snadger]

You don't want to be leaving it in the vodka for too long as it will go brown and yucky!

[Flummery]

No, it's strained off the voddie and sitting lovely and pink in all its glory. The only reason there's some left is it vies with the sloe gin, damson vodka, bullace brandy and limoncello for drinking!