Rhubarb is it too late?

[Getoffmylande]

As a fairly new member to the allotment club i have a question for the more knowledgable amongst us. I have three rhubarb crowns which this year have done rather well. My dilemma is that in all the gardening books that we have say's not to consume the rhubarb produced after July. I have also been told by other gardeners that if the stalks are still red then they can still be edible even though the date is now in September. Stalks are still red and growing very well too. Any advice greatly recieved.Many thanks
Nigel

[Nicos]

I wonder if they say that so the crown has a chance to recover if it's been heavily picked?
I picked some 2 wks ago from a plant which suddenly thickened up and it was lovely.
Pretty soon the stems and leaves will start dying back and become rubbery and hollowed. Would be pretty yuk then!
I'd say go ahead if it's got a decent crown, but don't take too much .

[sewer rat]

Fill yer boots - I pick rhubarb up til the crown starts going backwards - and my crowns never seem to suffer the following season - quite the opposite in fact.But Nicos is right, do not strip the crowns bare, just pick the ripest stalks

[Lesley Jay]

The reason why is that the oxylic acid starts to travel down the stems from the leaves as the season goes on.

[Snadger]

The reason why is that the oxylic acid starts to travel down the stems from the leaves as the season goes on.

Ahhh! Didn't know that. Something else I've learned on the vine

[Getoffmylande]

Many thanks for the replies sorry but i have been away over the weekend and didn't get to check in till tonight. Looks like more yummy crumble this week for supper