Trimming rhubarb

Whenever I've used rhubarb from the garden, I've trimmed each stick to remove the leaf but also the curved white bit at the bottom (the part that joins onto the crown).  However, I was wondering whether this was necessary, because it seems a shame to waste them if they can be used!  I'm making a rhubarb & ginger chutney, so it will be cooked long enough to make it tender - I just wondered whether that part was bitter?

As Tosca says, it's just habit for most people to trim both ends. I leave the bottom bit on and trim only if I've gotten a bit of root from pulling too hard.

You live and learn as they say. We've always trimmed off the white bit at the root end too thinking it was bitter or tough as the rhubarb in the supermarket was similarly trimmed. Must be a cosmetic thing

They can be composted safely. (I'm not clever, I goggled it! )

Yes you must cut away the complete leaf.  Now I first tried cutting as little as possible off the bottom end years ago, and would you beleive, it is sweeter than the rest of the stalk.
Regards
Thelma

Feed it plenty and hope for larger stalks next year..