The Know Daily - Monday 17 March 2025

_{Read in 5m 33s ∙ Listening to Lady Gaga∙}

American oystercatcher numbers have rebounded by 45% thanks to conservation efforts over the last two decades. Habitat restoration of salt marshes and barrier beaches has helped the coastal bird population to thrive, with the plans being expanded to other endangered species, like whimbrels.

🌱 Rhubarb revival

It’s Yorkshire forced rhubarb season and the tangy crop may be “the most coveted vegetable of 2025”.

Tell me more.
Forced rhubarb is different from standard rhubarb – after growing outside for two years the crop is then grown in the dark for around two months. The result? A sweeter, more tender and pinker variety. Once a staple of 19th century British cuisine, in recent decades it’s enjoyed a revival. It’s now trending on social media and is a popular ingredient among chefs and high street cafes. Supermarket Tesco reported a 200% increase in demand for forced rhubarb compared to last year. And over in Norfolk, a food grower has seen demand soar by 170% since 2019.

What’s causing the interest?
Experts say that demand for forced rhubarb is being driven by nostalgia, as consumers seek out the flavours of their childhood – like rhubarb and custard sweets. Social media has also fueled its recent popularity. Its vibrant pink colour makes it “perfect for eye-catching content”, with recipes and cook-alongs featuring the vegetable attracting millions of views. What's more, forced rhubarb is a versatile culinary ingredient – not just a crumble filling, as good as it may be. It’s also a great addition to our diets as it's high in fibre and antioxidants.

Anything else I should know?
Rhubarb has previously been less popular as people preferred out-of-season fruit from abroad. That’s not the case anymore. Today’s rhubarb renaissance is part of a renewed appreciation for seasonal produce and traditional British food, reported The Guardian. Spirits, preserves and even loo rolls infused with rhubarb are becoming more widespread on supermarket shelves.

💰 Money Monday: Around 90% of households in England will see their council tax increase by 4.99% next month, the maximum amount. Check out this interactive map to see how your area is affected. 

📱 Social safeguards: The Online Safety Act’s next phase came into force today, meaning tech companies are now required to implement more safeguards against harmful content.

☘️ Passing the pub: This St. Patrick’s Day, Heineken is launching a global search to help a pub owner in rural Ireland find a successor – here’s the catch.

🥕 Carrot concerto: The world’s first Vegetable Orchestra has set a new world record for its performances with everyday groceries.

☀️ Warmer weather: Spring is officially on its way as temperatures rise across the UK this week.

🛝 Rubbish repurposed: A unique free adventure playground made from recycled materials – including theatre props and even the BAFTAs red carpet – has opened in London.

🔗 Last week’s most clicked: Sustainable investing, feel-good style and free food at supermarkets.

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Trivia answer: B) People from around the world came to Estonia to celebrate the country’s sauna culture. 

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