So last week’s puzzler was a video, showing a lot of one plant on a bank beside a stream. Were you able to recognize it?
Here’s a clue… perhaps you’ve eaten it! Those plants are RAMPS, an edible plant that has a mild, garlicky flavor that is highly prized among those who collect wild edibles. Both the green leaves and bulbs are edible. Ramps, also called wild leeks, are native to the forests of eastern North America. As you can see from the video, they are one of the first plants to burst out of the soil in spring, filling the otherwise drab woods with glorious green. They will not last long, turning yellow long before the trees get their first leaves.
Have you tried them? Here are a few recipes if you find some in a forest near you.
Asparagus and Ramp soup with yogurt
and finally, Loaded Vegetable Spring Quiche
If you Google ramps you will find LOTS more recipes. And one more thing–if you do find a patch of ramps, please don’t harvest them all! It’s best to practice sustainable harvesting so the ramps will continue to grow for many years to come. Here are a few pointers on harvesting ramps:
- Never take all the plants in a bunch. At most, take half of the leaves, leaving some of the older ones to grow.
- If you’re going to harvest the bulbs, do not use a shovel as this unnecessarily disrupts the soil. Instead, use a small soil fork or trowel with a knife. And just like the leaves, do not take them all. Taking all the bulbs is a sure way to end the profusion of ramps in the future in that spot.
- Be careful where you step so as to not stomp down everything in your path on the way to get the ramps.
- Make sure you have permission if the land is private. Most homeowners do not appreciate someone coming onto their land and digging something up. And if it is in a national park or state land, know the rules before you pick. Different parks have different rules about edible plants and it’s definitely not always legal.
The New York Times wrote an article about over harvesting ramps a few years ago–in some places it has become a problem and is banned.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about ramps! Do you have a favorite recipe? Do you pick them? Do you like them? Use the comment box below!