AK: Rhubarb Renaissance

Photo by Ellen Lockyer. Carol Kenley and Bruce Bush examine a rhubarb stalk freshly pulled from their rhubarb patch in Palmer.
Photo by Ellen Lockyer. Carol Kenley's rhubarb patch in Palmer.

The humble vegetable is undergoing something of a Renaissance, with studies on its health benefits, export possibilities and plans for commercial production of rhubarb juice in the works.  The hardy plant, sometimes used as ornamentation in landscaped gardens, supplies us with juicy pie fillings and other dessert fare.  Ellen Lockyer, who’s a big fan of rhubarb, brings us this look at the dramatic, leafy plant, which some people think will be the next big thing.

Download Audio (MP3)

APTI Reporter-Producer Ellen Lockyer started her radio career in the late 1980s, after a stint at bush Alaska weekly newspapers, the Copper Valley Views and the Cordova Times. When the Exxon Valdez ran aground in Prince William Sound, Valdez Public Radio station KCHU needed a reporter, and Ellen picked up the microphone.
Since then, she has literally traveled the length of the state, from Attu to Eagle and from Barrow to Juneau, covering Alaska stories on the ground for the AK show, Alaska News Nightly, the Alaska Morning News and for Anchorage public radio station, KSKA
elockyer (at) alaskapublic (dot) org  |  907.550.8446 | About Ellen

Previous articleAlaska News Nightly: June 24, 2011
Next articlePridefest History Marks City’s Changes