Hi! I too would like to find out what is the best variety. I would like one that produces the biggest petioles! I don't mind the color... The taste should be delicious, of course, but I think all rhubarb probably taste wonderful. This is the one I have now, the stalks are pretty thin... I don't know the variety or the age of the plant. I gave it compost this year, but it didn't seem to make a difference. I also divided it and put the new division in a more sunny location, but it didn't do better (simply got redder).