[Sca-cooks] Is Rhubarb period for Europe? or not?

[Stefan li Rous]

Regina replied to me with:
<<< Rhubarb.  Not period for Western Europe, but works (says the  
owner of a 150
year old rhubarb plant).  I love the stuff in various forms to  
include just
cut up and dipped in sugar (substitute now), but there is a price to  
pay... >>>

I'm trying to verify whether Rhubarb is period for Europe or not, and  
finding conflicting information. I can't seem to find my copy of  
Waverly Root's book right now.

But the following is typical of what I'm finding on the web from  
several sites.

<<< Rhubarb, botanically-known as Rheum rhabarbarum, comes from a  
combination of the Greek word Rha for the Volga River, and the Latin  
word barbarum, for the region of the Rha River inhabited by non- 
Romans. The popular edible species, Rheum rhaponticum, originated  
most likely in Mongolia or Siberia. It was introduced to Europe by  
Italian botanist Prosper Alpinus in 1608 as a substitute for Chinese  
Rhubarb whose roots were used medicinally. >>>

One version was introduced in 1608, so marginal. But it would seem  
that the "Chinese" version was known and used medicinally.

So, Regina, what are you basing your comment on?

Thanks,
   Stefan
--------
THLord Stefan li Rous    Barony of Bryn Gwlad    Kingdom of Ansteorra
    Mark S. Harris           Austin, Texas           
StefanliRous at austin.rr.com
**** See Stefan's Florilegium files at:  http://www.florilegium.org ****