There was the outline of gas propane heaters, and a sprinkler system to intensify the heat and humidity in the dark.
There were around half a million buds – all cultivated in rows and all making groaning sounds as they germinated at an unnatural speed.
It was a riveting exhibition of Mother Nature at work, yet a display teetering on the edge of the surreal.
Come to West Yorkshire during the rhubarb harvest in mid-winter and you can expect to hear tales of this strange agricultural ritual.
As might be expected, much of the Yorkshire Rhubarb Triangle remains oriented towards eating rhubarb in all its many forms.
Carthy reminisced about the dishes his family used to eat while he was growing up: rhubarb crumble, rhubarb pie, straight-from-the-fridge spears dipped in the sugar bowl.
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