Rhubarb Warning

[JaneG]

For those of you with Rhubarb who were affected by the freezes over the last few days, here's a reminder . . . after a hard freeze, do not use rhubarb. Wait for new stalks.

Due to the freeze the rhubarb may have poor texture, but worse, the poison in the rhubarb leaves (never eat the leaves or roots) may have gone into the stalk during the freeze.

Here's a Q&A from the U of I extension office . . .

Q. A severe freeze has damaged my rhubarb. Can I safely eat the leafstalks?

A. No. The leafstalks will be of poor texture and flavor and oxalic acid may have migrated from the leaf blades.

[Deb118]

THANKS! Jane! Ya learn somethin new every day! I'll have to go out back and check mine for damage. I, myself dont care that much for it. I mostly grow it for DH's cousin. To make pies for him. I kinda like the old fart, so I'd better check it out.

[Tundra_Queen]

Jane, I never knew that, thanks for letting us know!

Debbie

[newtohosta-no more]

Very interesting! Thanks for bringing this to our attention. I'll pass it on to my DH so he can check his rhubarb plants.