Talking rhubarb

You'll almost certainly have heard of the Bermuda Triangle. However, unless you come from these parts, the chances are you won't be aware of the Yorkshire Rhubarb Triangle - but it exists.

I know this to be true because, a couple of days ago, Grandma Judy, Vanessa and Jamie had the privilege of going on the official Rhubarb Triangle Tour along with almost 50 other lost souls with nothing much on. I was obviously devastated to have missed it.

As part of the tour, which centred on the E Oldroyd & Sons rhubarb farm in Leeds, patrons had the chance to see rhubarb being grown by candlelight together with the rare treat of hearing a one-hour talk on the history of rhubarb.

And much was learnt. For example, did you know that Yorkshire began to make its rhubarb name in the late 19th century? One reason was the "special sheds" (ooooo!!!) built to allow rhubarb to be grown out of season. Yorkshire soil also apparently proved perfect for "growth of the substantial root systems necessary to produced sufficient yields of high quality sticks worthy of a premium price capable of covering the high production costs associated with this crop." Oh yes.

As rhubarb’s popularity increased so did the numbers producers in this area, totalling well over 200 "at rhubarb’s height in popularity." The quality of the Yorkshire crop became renowned, and demand for it became so huge that eventually producers in other areas of Britain simply could not compete, and eventually stopped altogether - quitters.

And here's the key bit - given that the producers were centralised between Leeds, Wakefield and Bradford, the "centre for the world’s production of forced rhubarb" naturally became known across the globe as "The Rhubarb Triangle." So now you know.

A couple of other interesting rhubarb facts which you'll want to know. First, Jamie's great grandad was a rhubarb grower. I'll bet you didn't see that one coming.

And secondly, rhubarb is good for your digestion. This is a detail which I'm told no-one on Thursday's tour is ever likely to forget because, a millisecond after the tour guide revealed this shocking truth and took a pause for breath, Jamie chose to emit the largest, longest belch in his short history - promoting raucous laughter from everyone in attendance.

Who said rhubarb can't be fun?