Euro status for growers in Yorkshire's famous rhubarb triangle

Defra Secretary and MP for Leeds Central Hilary Benn has announced that Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb has been awarded Protected Designation of Origin status by the European Commission's Protected Food Name scheme.

It means only companies who produce the vegetable - in this case in the so-called "rhubarb triangle" between Bradford, Wakefield and Leeds - can use the name, guaranteeing the product is authentic and preventing imitation throughout Europe.

The move follows recommendations by Defra to the EC and will mean it is illegal to describe Yorkshire rhubarb as being so unless it was grown here.

Mr Benn said: "Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb has been recognised thanks to the quality of this traditionally grown product and the enthusiasm and commitment shown by all involved."

Forced rhubarb is famously grown and harvested by candlelight in an area known as the rhubarb triangle between Bradford, Wakefield and Leeds

Celebrating the good news, Janet Oldroyd, of the Yorkshire Rhubarb Growers Association, said: "To the 12 growers left in the rhubarb triangle a future is now certain. To the hundreds of farmers long since gone this is in part recognition of their hard work, dedication and steadfast belief in their product that has kept this industry alive since the early 1950s."

Gary Verity, chief executive of the official tourism agency for the region, Welcome to Yorkshire, said it would put Yorkshire rhubarb on the cultural map.

The rhubarb is grown and harvested by candlelight using unique and traditional methods to produce a sweet and tender variety.

It is the 41st British product to be added to the list of protected names, joining the likes of Swaledale Cheese, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar and Cornish Sardines.

Jonathan Knight, the chief executive of the Regional Food Group for Yorkshire, said: "This is a great achievement for the region.

"Patience, persistence, various meetings with the twelve key growers and a lot of effort on all parts has culminated in a fantastic result, which will help to confirm the unique Yorkshire rhubarb triangle as the home of forced rhubarb."

Click the video player above to watch chef Frances Atkins from the Michelin-starred Yorke Arms at Ramsgill in Nidderdale prepare Yorkshire rhubarb fool with cardamom apple tatin.

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