Exploring Yorkshire’s Unique Food Heritage
Around this time of year, a strange new item appears in the markets and greengrocers of Yorkshire – forced rhubarb. The Yorkshire Rhubarb triangle, between Wakefield, Morley and Rothwell, south of Leeds, is not (as some may say) where several rhubarb growers have gone missing, but an area renowned for producing some of the world’s best forced rhubarb. It is a striking yet delicate crimson pink, with slender stems and bright green curly leaves. Native to Siberia, the rhubarb plant loves the cold and wet of northern England. As do we (some of the time!).
You may be more used to the sturdy rhubarb growing at the bottom of the garden and be used to adding tons of sugar to the fruit to make it into a rhubarb crumble but forced rhubarb is a different item altogether. The glorious “Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb” was granted Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status in 2010, putting it on a par with Champagne and Parma ham, and the growing area is very carefully outlined.
The secret lies in the unique growing methods, which have been perfected over generations. The local farmers grow the plants in dark, heated sheds, encouraging the rhubarb to grow tender, sweet, and almost other worldly in flavour. The process is so quiet that, if you stand very still in the sheds, you can actually hear the rhubarb growing – it sounds a bit like a door creaking. (This is true!)
In the late 19th century, early forced rhubarb was sent down to the London Markets in time for Christmas and off to Paris. A special express train carrying rhubarb left every weeknight during the season from Christmas to Easter and at one time, West Yorkshire produced 90% of the world’s winter forced rhubarb. Every February, Wakefield celebrates this amazing crop with a Rhubarb Festival. Chefs demonstrate their delicious recipes, with street entertainment, food stalls and a food and drink trail so you can find out all about this true icon of Yorkshire produce. https://experiencewakefield.co.uk/event/rhubarb-festival/.
It’s a great event and if you see Rhuby Rhubarb, say hello from us. To celebrate this event, our Yorkshire Goodie Box is offering a special Rhubarb edition in February for you to enjoy. Click here to order.
