Overview

• Rhubarb leaves contain high levels of oxalic acid, a toxic compound that poses serious health risks if ingested, including kidney damage and failure.
• Only the reddish stalks of rhubarb are safe to eat and are commonly used in sweet dishes like pies, crumbles, and jams.
• Symptoms of rhubarb leaf poisoning range from mild vomiting and diarrhoea to severe outcomes such as kidney stones, muscle cramps, and neurological issues.
• Experts recommend removing and discarding rhubarb leaves before consumption, but advise that they can be safely composted as oxalic acid breaks down during decomposition.
• The rhubarb harvest season in the UK typically runs from late April to early June, making this guidance especially timely for gardeners.