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See Also:  Rhubarb Tips ; Rhubarb Trivia

RHUBARB AFTER JUNE 1st

QUESTION:
Hello Chef James,

I have been told by my Aunt that you can't use rhubard after June lst.  Is that true.  We live in middle Illinois and rhubard is coming up again.  Can I use it?  Please help if you can.

Thanks, Mitch
 

ANSWER:
Hi Mitch,

There is no reason to stop using rhubarb after June 1st.  Rhubarb season generally runs from April to September or until the first frost, which will damage the plants and make them soft and mushy.

Rhubarb should not be eaten after severe cold or frost injury. Severe cold injury may cause the oxalic acid crystals in the leaves to migrate to the stalks increasing the likelihood of poisoning problems.

If in doubt about the safety of eating the stalks, don't. Cut those stalks off and compost them. Allow new stalks to develop before eating.
Chef James, FoodReference.com