Is My Rhubarb Safe to Eat?

Question

We just had 2 heavy frosts. I planted my rhubarb 2 years ago and never had a harvest until today. My rhubarb, when sliced, is pitted and browning. Will this affect flavor and safety?

Answer 1

It won't affect the safety, but may affect the flavor. In the future, you should not be harvesting Rhubarb this late in the year. The reason is that it affects how well the plant can deal with the coming cold. Cutting the leaves signals the plant to grow more leaves, which distracts it from preparing for the cold. Harvest rhubarb only in the spring and early summer.