Rhubarb simply sings of spring. Its pretty pink stalks emerge earlier than most crops in the Northern Hemisphere, signifying the end of the dark, barren winter and start of earth’s annual reawakening. Stalks blush beautifully—from light rose to deep crimson, although there are green and green-red varieties. Whatever the coloring, rhubarb symbolizes renewal, resilience, and hope. Still, it’s a strange and difficult fruit: mouth-puckeringly tart, and topped with toxic leaves.