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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: Digeroo on June 08, 2011, 14:48:44

Title: Pulling v cutting Rhubarb
Post by: Digeroo on June 08, 2011, 14:48:44
I have always pulled my rhubarb but some people seem to cut it.  Please can someone tell me what happens if you cut rather than pull. 
Title: Re: Pulling v cutting Rhubarb
Post by: antipodes on June 08, 2011, 14:52:44
Well, I think I might cut in the future - twice this season I pulled rhubarb and actually pulled out part of the crown! I was so annoyed. I think the very dry weather has made it a little fragile.
I am not sure if there is any difference though in either method.
Title: Re: Pulling v cutting Rhubarb
Post by: Fork on June 08, 2011, 14:55:05
I never cut.

I have always held the stem I want to remove at the bottom and twist and pull gently..always works for me.If i dont grip at the bottom I tend to break them half way down!
Title: Re: Pulling v cutting Rhubarb
Post by: Flighty on June 08, 2011, 15:37:39
I do the same as Fork, which is the recommended method.
Title: Re: Pulling v cutting Rhubarb
Post by: goodlife on June 08, 2011, 15:45:47
The theory in pulling V cutting is that by cutting you leave open end of the stalk (like wound) that may allow desease/rot enter into the grown as the stalk is not type of plantmaterial that will heal and seal its self.
The base of the stalk is different matter..it is thin 'membrane'-like and leaves hardly anything 'open' and that thin strip of 'wound' will soon dry out sealing itself.
Title: Re: Pulling v cutting Rhubarb
Post by: antsinmipants on June 08, 2011, 16:23:00
I push my thumb as far down the stalk as possible until it starts to give. This is easier the thicker the stalks are and usually the whole stalk breaks clean away from the plant.  ;)
Title: Re: Pulling v cutting Rhubarb
Post by: cornykev on June 08, 2011, 17:12:31
As per Fork and flighty.   ;D
Title: Re: Pulling v cutting Rhubarb
Post by: Weed-Digga on June 08, 2011, 17:58:33
Fork,
I like a good grip at the bottom too!!

Weed-Digga
Title: Re: Pulling v cutting Rhubarb
Post by: Fork on June 08, 2011, 19:31:08
Quote from: Weed-Digga on June 08, 2011, 17:58:33
Fork,
I like a good grip at the bottom too!!

Weed-Digga

:o ;) ;D
Title: Re: Pulling v cutting Rhubarb
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on June 08, 2011, 19:32:23
Mine's so big I can't reach the crowns without an effort so I just grab and pull. They usually come off at the base.
Title: Re: Pulling v cutting Rhubarb
Post by: pumkinlover on June 08, 2011, 21:28:45
Quote from: Robert_Brenchley on June 08, 2011, 19:32:23
Mine's so big I can't reach the crowns without an effort so I just grab and pull. They usually come off at the base.

Lucky you ;D