The force is with us!

Must apologise for the poor quality of this photo, but in a pitch dark shed, only lit with a few candles it proved difficult. I tried with flash but it was too light and didn't give the effect I wanted. Which was to try and capture the atmospher of these rhubarb sheds.
We live in the golden triangle of Yorkshire Rhubarb growers.
There are now only 12 left. Before Second World War there were more than 200
growers in Yorkshire.
More than 200 tons was sent every night on the Rhubarb Express train from Leeds to London, and then out into Europe.
The crop is late this year because of the mild weather.
To successfully force rhubarb the crown needs frost before it is lifted and planted in the long ,low, dark sheds.Once in the sheds the plant is deprived of light and food which "forces" the root to begin growing the rhubarb stalks.
It grows very quickly, and is all harvested by hand, in candle light!

My local farm shop very kindly let me have a look round their sheds today and take some photos.
It was certainly a wonderful experience I will always remember!

B.Tomlinson and Son, of Pudsey, are we think the oldest growers, who have been growing rhubarb non stop since at least 1890.They have a photo of one of the sheds which is dated 1907!
Needless to say I think their's is the best I have tasted!
They supply many restaurants, including The Clock Tower, at Rudding Park, who have on their Local Heros menu:
"Tomlinson's Rhubarb Cheese Cake, ginger cruch ice cream, and rhubarb syrup"
(Think we will have to pay this place a visit!)

The Wakefield Rhubarb Festival runs from 24 to 26 February.
Further details www.experiencewakefield.co.uk.

Off now to make rhubarb and orange crumble for tea!