There is something quintessentially British about the arrival of rhubarb. It’s the “look but don’t touch” plant of the winter that suddenly, with a burst of spring sunshine, demands our full attention. At Good Food Northants, we celebrate the way food connects us, and recently, our own team found themselves at the heart of a beautiful (and delicious) circle of local sharing.
Here is how one rhubarb patch fuelled a whole office.
Jo’s Surprise Harvest
After a bit of winter neglect, Jo ventured to the bottom of her garden only to find a pleasant surprise. Despite her “low maintenance” approach, the rhubarb was thriving!
“I was pleased, and surprised, to find a mass of rhubarb already ripe for picking! I expect the spring rain and sunshine helped, and possibly an autumn mulch, though I can’t really remember. As much as I love rhubarb, there is only so much one household can eat.”
Recognising she had a surplus, Jo bundled it up and brought it into the office to share with the team.
Keri’s Garden
Jo isn’t the only one with a rhubarb obsession. Keri has two crowns that have claimed their territory with enthusiasm.
- The Growth Metric: Keri knows it’s time to harvest when the rhubarb grows so large she can no longer open her garden gate!
- The Prep: With leaves reaching over 2ft in width, she trims them down before sharing the bounty with friends and family.
- The Serving Suggestion: Keri loves her rhubarb stewed with ginger or cinnamon, perfect over morning yogurt or as a classic crumble with a dollop of ice cream.
From Stalk to Sip: Linda’s Secret Recipe
When the rhubarb reached Linda, her passion for “from-scratch” cooking took over. For Linda, home-grown produce isn’t just about taste; it’s about the care and dedication that goes into the soil.
To say thank you for Jo’s harvest, Linda transformed the stalks into a vibrant, nutrient-dense Rhubarb Cordial. But this wasn’t just any cordial, it was a fusion of cultures and flavours.
The “Global Northants” Blend:
- The Base: Jo’s juicy rhubarb.
- The Twist: Home-grown sorrel from a family friend (reflecting her family’s Caribbean heritage) and hibiscus flowers.
- The Aromatics: Cloves, a hint of vanilla, fresh lemon, and high-quality dark brown sugar.
The result? A drink packed with Vitamin C, Magnesium, and Vitamin K that the whole office got to enjoy.
Why Sharing Matters
This simple exchange from Jo’s garden to Linda’s kitchen and back to the office table is exactly what we advocate for at Good Food Northants. It reduces food waste, encourages seasonal eating, and builds a sense of community.
Do you have a surplus in your garden? Don’t let it go to waste! Whether it’s a bunch of rhubarb or a bag of apples, sharing your “fruits of labor” is the best way to grow a local food culture.