Ramp It Up: A Seasonal Celebration of Springs Wild Leek
Ramp Up Your Spring Cooking: A Comprehensive Guide to Delicious Ramp Recipes.
Ramps are foraged in the early spring and have a flavor profile of garlic and onion. Ramps can be identified by their broad, green leaves, growing low to the ground in wooded areas. Sometimes ramps are referred to as wild leeks, I grew up with them as ramps, so that is what I will call them in this post. There are many savory uses for this foraged treat, as I will outline in this blog post below.
Foraging Not Your Forte? Read below on where to buy and purchase Wild Ramps.
If you do not want to forage your own ramps, they can be purchased at farmers markets during the early spring. Another option for buying wild ramps is Facebook marketplace. Ramps vegetables have a short harvest season window, so if you see them available whether at your local farmers market, farm stand or foraged sustainably in the forest, grab them while you can and read on for more exciting tips on how to handle, store and ultimately enjoy this seasonal culinary delight.
Sustainable Foraging……..
When foraging for wild ramps seek out forested areas with water nearby. I find when looking for ramps it is best to head out in early spring as soon as the frost has lifted and the first signs of green start to pop up. Ramps grow low to the ground in bunch of 3-7 leaves. Bring a bag or container to pack your findings in when you head out hunting so that the leaves do not get damaged. This will greatly impact the longevity of the ramps once they are harvested, if you would like to store them for several days after picking. Sustainable harvesting has a lasting impact on the environment that the ramps grow in, thus impacting your future harvest for years to come! Follow these tips to collect the leaves mindfully:
- Foraging Ramps with the Environment in Mind
- 1: Cut the ramps at the base of the stem, leaving the root in the ground
- 2: Be mindful of your surroundings, making sure not to disturb the nature around you
- 3: Leave some leaves, do not snip the whole patch
- 4: Leave no trace
Properly Store Your Harvest!
Place wild ramp leaves in bag or container with paper towel and store in refrigerator, this will allow the ramps to keep fresh for several days until you are ready to use. Feeling inspired? Read on for more ramp culinary inspiration….
Ready to get Cooking with Ramps? Read on For Inspiring Recipes with Information on How to Use Ramps Vegetables in Every Day Cooking !
Looking for information on how to use ramps vegetables in recipes? Below is a compilation of my ramps recipes, with tips, tricks and culinary flavor combinations to get you started on your foraged ramp culinary adventure!
A Simple, Versatile Wild Ramp Sauce
This ramp sauce is a simple as they come and features ramps as the main flavor. If you are looking to showcase the delightful culinary taste of ramps this is it, click photo for full recipe and instructions.
This sauce pairs nicely with wild mushrooms, check out the recipe! Click photo or click for link HERE!
Ramp Pesto, a Green Flavor Filled Journey…
This ramp pesto condiment doubles up on the green with pistachio nuts adding a dose of green and a delightful crunch. A touch of anchovy adds umami to this blended culinary creation. Try out this recipe today on pasta or slathered on garlic bread. This also great spread on a sandwich for a burst of herbal flavor!
Healthy Ramp Calzone with Kale and Zucchini…
This yummy oven baked calzone, oozes cheese and is filled with healthy vegetables, not only that is really ramps up the flavor!
I’ve never cooked with ramp before, but I love all these ideas. I am most excited to try it in soup or as a pizza topping. Such a healthy idea!
I have never heard of Ramp before but I’m excited to hear and see these variations today! I have bookmarked this post so I can learn more. Thanks for sharing!
I have yet to find ramps at the store or market, and I keep hearing such great things about them! Definitely keeping my eyes peeled. Thanks for all of the info!
Not sure where you live but I’m in Iowa. I can send you some if we can come up with a sustainable way to ship them. Reach out to me. My email is blroetman@gmail.com.
This is so cool! I’ve always been fascinated by foraging. The closest I’ve gotten is snagging wild onions from my yard. I need to be on the lookout!
I love leeks, but I’ve never tried ramps! Thanks so much for the info 🙂 can’t wait to try them
I’ve been wanting to find some ramps for a long time! Thanks for the info!
So many great ideas here! Thank for you the great information! 🙂
Great selection of ramp recipes. A shame it’s not easy to get where I live. 🙂