On 02/08/2010 15:39, bob wrote:
Can anyone advise me whether it is true that you should not harvest
for consumption the first years stems on rhubarb planted in the Spring
of this year? Thanks

If you do harvest them, consumption is fine! The reason for not picking
in the first year is to allow the plant to develop a strong healthy root
system which it won't do so well if half the leaves are removed.