Rhubarb Salsa with Garlic Crostini

Before June ended, I wanted to come up with a recipe using rhubarb that wasn't a dessert. Typically, rhubarb is used in pies, crumbles, and crisps. But I wanted to try a rhubarb recipe without having to add a lot of sugar to the recipe. Then it came to me. Why not make a salsa out of rhubarb? It's fresh, it's tasty, and it's extremely easy. This salsa recipe makes a great snack or appetizer, and can also be used to top chicken, fish, tacos, and nachos.

Rhubarb Salsa

Ingredients:

• 2 cups finely diced fresh rhubarb 
• 1/2 cup sweet red pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup sweet yellow pepper, chopped 
• 1/2 cup  fresh cilantro, chopped 
• 3 green onions, tops only, chopped 
• 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced 
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 
• 1 tablespoon of agave 
• sea salt and ground black pepper to taste 

Directions:
1. Blanch rhubarb in a saucepan of boiling water for 10-30 seconds. Remove rhubarb from heat promptly and rinse under cold water until rhubarb is lukewarm or cool.
2. Place rhubarb in a glass bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
3. Refrigerate for an hour to let the flavours combine.

Garlic Crostini

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced 1/4 inch thick 
• 3/4 cup of olive oil 
• 3 cloves of pressed garlic 
• Sea salt and ground black pepper 

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange baguette slices on two large rimmed baking sheets
2. Combine oil and garlic in a bowl and whisk.
3. Brush both sides with oil and garlic, and season with salt and pepper.
4.  Bake until golden, 15 to 20 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Let cool on baking sheets.
5. Top crostini with rhubarb salsa, and serve.

Health Benefits of Rhubarb

Rhubarb contains antioxidants like lycopene and anthocyanins, helping to fight off disease. It has been found to help lower cholesterol, boosting your heart health. Rhubarb stalks are a good source of fibre, benefiting your digestive health. It contains vitamin K, an essential property that helps with blood clotting, protecting the bones and help fighting off liver and prostate cancer. Rhubarb is also an immune booster due to its high levels of Vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.