The Rhubarb Triangle

There were once around 200 growers within the Rhubarb Triangle in Yorkshire, now down to around 12.

Forced rhubarb is still grown with tradition at the heart of family-run farms. The stems are grown in pitch-dark sheds (giving them a wonderful bright pink colour, tenderness, and a sweeter more delicate flavour) and picked — as is tradition – by candlelight. Most growers use the Harbinger variety. The rhubarb grows vertically in the search for light, resembling congregation in a rhubarb cathedral.

Last year I was very lucky to be able to visit the Cook's family farm. This year I'll be using their rhubarb once again, along with another local grower.

I'll be at The Hepworth Wakefield scooping rhubarb ice creams and sorbets over weekend of 20th–22nd February 2026, and with tubs available online soon.