Rhubarb is a pop leaping vegetable that adds tart flavor to pies , pickle , and other dishes . While most parts of rhubarb plant are edible , there are a few central times when you should avoid eating it . Here is a complete guide to when not to eat rhubarb and how to identify and treat potentially grave rhubarb plant .

Rhubarb Leaves

The most crucial part of rhubarb plant you should not use up are the parting . Rhubarb leaves contain high tier of oxalic acid , which is toxic to humans . Consuming the leafage can get :

To avoid inadvertent usance always remove and discard rhubarb leaves before cooking . Never consume anything containing rhubarb plant leaves , like sure herbal Camellia sinensis . Only eat the red and light-green stalks .

Early or Late Harvest Rhubarb

Rhubarb is typically glean during the spring and former summer months . However , rhubarb grown too early on or too late in the season may not be dependable to wipe out

Rhubarb stalks harvested before they have fully developed tend to be higher in oxalic acid Eating unripe stalks can potentially cause symptoms like sickness or abdominal pain in the ass , Only harvest rhubarb stalks that have reach their full size

recent harvest pieplant is more potential to have high-pitched stage of other toxins . After temperatures reach over 90 ° F , rhubarb may accumulate anthraquinone glycoside . These can act as a laxative and get diarrhea if consumed . For good caliber and rubber , only harvest rhubarb before peak summer warmth sets in .

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Freeze Damaged Rhubarb

Exposure to frost or freeze temperature can damage rhubarb stalks , making them unsafe for consumption . During cold weather , check for :

Freezing causes ice crystals to form within rhubarb plant stalks . This bust the plant cell , allowing oxalic window pane to leak out out . consume freeze damaged angry walk can lead to symptoms like burn of the backtalk and pharynx . Always discard rhubarb that shows signs of icing damage .

Overmature Rhubarb

Allowing rhubarb to over mature before harvesting can also make it inedible . Overmature angry walk will be tough , stringy , and sinewy . They will miss the tender , juicy quality of properly harvested pieplant .

Overmature rhubarb may also break open or heyday . Split or flowering stalking run to be extremely tart , sulphurous , and low in moisture content . This induce them unpalatable for cooking . Only harvest rhubarb plant stalks at their optimal adulthood for best look and texture .

Diseased Rhubarb

Several diseases can also make rhubarb dangerous to eat . Avoid rhubarb with these disease symptoms :

Diseased parts of the rhubarb works may contain higher toxin grade . Only eat up stalks that are completely healthy and mar - gratuitous . take out and destroy any diseased leaf or stalks .

Pest Damaged Rhubarb

Rhubarb stalk that show obvious sign of insect or pest damage should also be put away . Do not rust stalk with :

Severe pest legal injury can introduce toxins , spoil flavor , and increase the hazard of diseases . cautiously check out over harvested rhubarb plant and compost any portions register evidence of plague .

Greenhouse Grown Rhubarb

Rhubarb grown in greenhouses may accumulate high concentration of oxalic dot and other toxins . The modified air circulation and humidity in greenhouses alter the develop conditions . This can alter the phytochemicals produced by rhubarb plant works .

If growing rhubarb in a greenhouse , test oxalic acid grade before consume . Only crop nursery rhubarb plant once oxalic window pane storey drop below 750 milligram per 100 GB fresh weight . For safest results , produce rhubarb outdoors in full sun .

Safe Handling of Rhubarb

When handling and preparing pieplant , follow these tips to rest good :

When can you not eat rhubarb?

FAQ

What months can you not eat rhubarb ?

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