Forcing rhubarb

[caroline7758]

I have just picked my first lot of forced rhubarb and it looks lovely! Can  I now put the bin over another clump that has started growing, or is it too late? Also, what is the best way to eat the forced stuff to best appreciate its superior quality?

[caroline7758]

[saddad]

It would be blanched but not forced... can but try... in a fool would be my preferred treat...
::)

[Rohaise]

 We DO say forced......any way put those ruby red  stalks into a crumble  Caroline...and I,ll be round later with a jug of hot custard !  :D Rohaise xx

[cacran]

when you 'force' rhubarb, should you cover it completely?? I have done and had a look. Leaves are almost yellow and stalks very tall and thin. will they be usable now or should I leave the container off it for a while?

[caroline7758]

I picked some of mine and left the rest uncovered, but I've found the sticks go floppy very quickly after picking so am wondering whether the uncovered stuff on the plot will have flopped too!

[Robert_Brenchley]

Probably not; it's because the blanched stems have so little apart from water pressure in the cells to keep them stiff. The leaves should be yellow, with tall thin stems; this is because of the lack of light.