We know rhubarb from grandma’s garden. Traditionally, a variety of health benefits have been attributed to this plant, for which there is as yet no scientific evidence. Indian Vedic knowledge regards the importance of all flavour elements (sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami) in a meal as essential – and with its sour flavour, rhubarb can play an important role in this. Just like buckwheat, it belongs to the knotweed family.