Not sure how to answer since I've never seen a like problem before but I wouldn't think that the roots would have developed sugars and flavor at this early date. We always let ours stay in the ground over winter and harvest it before growth begins, just as soon as the ground thaws.

I think it would make more sense to treat the disease problem. You would need to diagnose it first to treat it, but in the interim you could remove all of the diseased foliage and provide supportive care such as irrigation and fertilization.