Rhubarb cutting has already started in the famous Yorkshire Rhubarb Triangle. Robert Tomlinson from B Tomlison & Sons started a few days early at the beginning of the year due to the mild weather.
"The weather has been mild but it has also been drier which is making it easier than last year. Before the new year we had just finished planting the outside crop for 2027, it grows for two years outside before we move it in for replanting. The weather has now turned cold, around 1 degree with -6 predicted for night time."
The shed has to be heated to 10-12 degrees to keep the rhubarb growing. Robert and his wife Paula can spend up to 12 hours a day harvesting the rhubarb by candlelight, this stops photosynthesis and keeps the rhubarb sweet.
"We have just started picking and will be in full swing soon, I am hoping to have 40-45 tonnes this season which is up on last year. We would like to expand the business but it is not that easy. At the moment it is just my wife and myself and additional labour costs a lot of money. My son seems keen to join the business when he leaves school this year, which would be great."
The rhubarb is sold to Wellocks and Delifresh who distribute nationwide. It is also exported through Natoora in London which has depots in Paris and New York, the product is greatly anticipated each year. Social media has done a lot to promote sales of Yorkshire and one customer, a restaurant in Manchester has 180,000 followers which they use to spread the word.
For more information:
Robert Tomlinson
B Tomlinson & Sons
Tel: +44 7855 374036
[email protected]