Picture this: the ever-cheerful host of a fan-favorite baking competition suddenly recoiling in horror from a common kitchen staple. It's the kind of moment that flips your expectations upside down and leaves you wondering what could possibly trigger such a strong reaction. But here's where it gets controversial – and oddly hilarious – on the latest episode of The Great British Baking Show. And this is the part most people miss: it's all about a vegetable that divides opinions like no other. Spoilers ahead for "Meringue Week," now available on Netflix!
The incident unfolds during the show's "Meringue Week," a first-of-its-kind challenge where the remaining six contestants must master Italian, Swiss, or French meringue for both their Signature and Showstopper bakes. Meringue, for those new to baking, is a light, fluffy mixture made from whipped egg whites and sugar – think the airy topping on pies or the base for pavlova. The goal? Perfect that meringue perfection, no matter the method.
Enter Northern Irish baker Iain Ross, who decided to play it smart and incorporate a so-called 'fortunate' element into his Signature Challenge pie. Drawing from show history, Iain noted that since Season 1, no baker using rhubarb has ever been eliminated across fifteen seasons. Rhubarb, a tart, raspberry-hued vegetable often mistaken for a fruit due to its culinary uses, seemed to have a magical streak in the Bake Off tent. 'They love rhubarb!' Iain exclaimed, slicing up those vibrant stalks.
But when host Alison Hammond overheard, her sunny disposition took a nosedive. Standing beside Iain, she reacted with genuine alarm: 'You're not using rhubarb, are you?' Her face conveyed sheer panic. Iain confirmed it, and Alison started darting her eyes around the tent anxiously. 'What kind of tent is this?' she quipped, half-jokingly desperate.
Iain, ever the good sport, probed further: 'Don't you like rhubarb?' Alison's emphatic 'Noooo!' said it all. He offered her a taste, but she shut it down fast: 'Do you want me to vomit all over your bake?' It was a comedic exchange that showcased Alison's usual playful vibe, but her discomfort was palpable.
And it didn't stop there. In her typically composed voiceover narration, Alison escalated the drama. 'Iain’s not the only one choosing my most despised filling,' she declared, her tone dripping with disdain. Sure enough, London-based baker Tom Arden, aged 31, had also opted for rhubarb in his creation. While Alison steered clear of confronting Tom directly, he faced critique from another angle: judge Prue Leith wasn't thrilled with his decision to blow-torch the meringue instead of baking it properly. Misinterpreting Prue's feedback, Tom went light on the torch, resulting in a gooey, undercooked meringue that missed the mark for the esteemed dame.
In the end, Iain's rhubarb gamble paid off – a stat that begs the question: is this 'luck' just coincidence, or has rhubarb earned its reputation as a Bake Off charm? Both Iain and Tom dodged elimination, Toby Littlewood claimed his first Star Baker title, and Lesley Holloway was the one to pack her bags.
Alison Hammond hasn't publicly addressed whether her strong dislike for rhubarb has softened now that its supposed good fortune has held true. It's a lighthearted feud, but it sparks debate: is rhubarb overrated, or is Alison's aversion an overreaction? After all, rhubarb's tangy flavor adds a unique twist to desserts like pies and crumbles, balancing sweetness with a sharp edge. But here's where it gets truly divisive – some swear by it as a baking essential, while others find its sourness downright off-putting. What do you think: Should rhubarb be celebrated as a lucky charm, or is Alison right to steer clear? Is this just harmless baking superstition, or could there be a pattern worth exploring? Share your opinions and whether you've tried rhubarb in your own bakes – we want to hear your side in the comments!
