There are so many reasons to dislike the month of January, and much to celebrate including the arrival marmalade oranges, and closer to home, Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb. The delicate stems arriving in the shops is a joy and signals a gentle easing back of the winter months. And, of course, a promise of spring just around the corner.
Here in Yorkshire, we grow the best rhubarb over in the Rhubarb Triangle of Wakefield, Leeds and Bradford. One of my favourite growers is Janet Oldroyd – known as the high priestess of rhubarb. Janet got rhubarb back on the map after its decline in popularity in the 60’s. Then next month there is the hugely popular Wakefield Food and Drink and Rhubarb Festival on Friday 23rd – Sunday 25th February 2018.
Some of the best recipes for rhubarb are “nursery-food” with crumbles, pies and of course, lashings of custard. Yorkshire Rhubarb now though enjoys a lofty status appearing on menus at top restaurants. The vegetable works so well alongside game, lamb and beef and even with oily fish like mackerel. It is all things pink just now and I for one love it.
