Topic: rhubarb - is it ok to pick still?

[aquilegia]

I'm confused (as usual!)

Some people say don't pick rhubarb after end of June/July. Others say keep picking it.

What to do?

My rhubarb plants are threatening to take over the garden. They look the biggest they've been all year right now. Is it safe to eat or should I just thin it and compost it?

[organicartist]

there was a thread about this a few weeks ago, you should be able to find it if you search back a few pages. The general consensus seemed to be that oxalic acid increased in leaves, not stems, and that it was still ok to eat, but don't strip the plant as it needs some leaves left to help store enough nutrients to survive the winter.

[aquilegia]

oh right - that's good.

Sorry for not looking first!

now what am I going to do with it all? Might see if the farm shop wants to buy any!

[flowerlady]

Try this link, there are several avenues of what to do with rhubarb! ;)

http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/yabbse/index.php/topic,2001.0.html

I actually cooked some stems this morning, it may be my imagination but they really were quite tart before the sugar went in!!  :o   But still tastes lovely!  :)

[sussexcliff]

We carry on picking whilst there are straight stems to pull.

Worst comes to worst it will freeze after chopping and give rhubarb crumble at any time, what a treat.

Cheers
Cliff