Why Use a Rhubarb Forcer?

Forcing involves preventing light from reaching the crowns of the rhubarb plants, which triggers the production of delicious pale stalks perfect for cooking. Forced rhubarb is softer and sweeter than rhubarb harvested in early summer. It's a real treat to eat fresh when spring is still on its way.

What does a rhubarb forcer do?

Rhubarb forcers are bell shaped pots with a lid covered opening at the top. Used to cover rhubarb to limit photosynthesis, they encourage the plant to grow early in the season and also to produce blanched stems. The pots are placed over two- to three-year-old rhubarb crowns during winter or very early spring.

Why does a rhubarb forcer have a lid?

Forcing rhubarb – covering the crowns to prevent light reaching them – will encourage the plants to make early growth. These pale, forced stalks can be harvested for use in cooking when they are 20-30cm long and are a useful crop when there is little else in store from the garden.