Rhubarb nurtured by nature – it’s the stalk of the town!

May the Forced Rhubarb be with you

Rhubarb sculpture in Wakefield - by Mike Kirby via Wikimedia Commons

Something is stirring ‘Up North’. In West Yorkshire to be precise. In darkened sheds lit only by candlelight and it’s perfectly legal.

Forced Rhubarb is the name of the game grown in the renowned Rhubarb Triangle between Bradford, Wakefield and Leeds. Away from natural light Rhubarb becomes sweeter, more tender, more familiar pink and also much tastier than its outdoor brothers and sisters.

Yorkshire’s Rhubarb Triangle has been around since the late 19th century. Once home to hundreds of farms, production peaked during WW1 and WW2. Sadly, only a handful of producers have survived.

Rhubarb is planted outside between September and March and spends two years in situ. In late November(ish) the plant is dug up from the fields and in an exhaustive labour intensive operation moved into darkened purpose built sheds, lit only by candlelight. The result is much taller and straighter Rhubarb as it seeks the energy inducing light.

Carlton village sign celebrates its link with rhubarb - by Mike Kirby via Wikimedia commons Forced Rhubarb is available in shops and farm shops from the end of November until the end of April. It is so good that it has received protected name status.

Never ever missing a trick when money and publicity is involved – it is Yorkshire after all – the canny Tykes are celebrating this wonderful vegetable. Yes it is a veg not a fruit. Welcome to the Wakefield Festival of Food, Drink & Rhubarb 2018. Held over three days – 23-25 Feb 2018 – it is a celebration of these unique pink sticks of loveliness. Celebrity chefs, food and cooking displays, walks and trails, street theatre and many more activities all Rhubarb related. And a bonus – entry is free!

Rhubarb shed in the Rhubarb Triangle - by Steve F via Wikimedia Commons Fancy a Rhubarb Experience in a Yorkshire Rhubarb Forcing Shed? Discover what actually goes on in the dark. Be enlightened with a tour by Janet Oldroyd Hulme. £7.50 gets you a two hour tour and talk from one of the top producers in the county. The history of the veg from 2700 BC right up to the present day. Take a loved one. It’s a candlelight experience and with Valentine’s Day fast approaching it might be the start of a romantic day! Last tour of the year is Thursday 16th March. Booking is essential 0113 282 2245.

If you can’t get to the festival don’t despair. The History of Rhubarb exhibition is at Wakefield Museum until 22 June 2018.

166 people found this helpful
18883

Share Article:

Dave Harcombe

Travelling pharmacist

Leave a comment

*

Sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest travel tips on top destinations.

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Most Recent Articles

There’s something refreshingly nostalgic about the quintessential British coach holiday….

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.