If you’re a fan of seasonal produce and fresh veggies, then ramps are a springtime cooking necessity. For someone like me who loves the pungent smells and tastes of garlic and onions, I try to snap up ramps anytime I see them available. Pay close attention to the produce sections in the supermarkets or farmers markets this spring, and you’ll notice that ramps may be there one week and gone the next—that’s because of their fleeting nature and extremely short season. So make sure you take my advice and grab those bundles of ramps when you see them, because ramp season will be over sooner than you know it!
What Are Ramps?
Ramps, if you are unfamiliar with them, are part of the allium family. Their official name is allium tricoccum, but they are more often referred to as wild leeks or wild garlic. They combine the delicate flavors of spring onions and shallots, with a heavy hit of garlic. Green and pungent, they’re pure perfection from root to tip. Best of all, the whole thing is entirely edible—everything from its small bulb to its beautiful smooth and flat light-green leaves.
When Are Ramps in Season?
Ramps are very seasonal. You can find only them in the early spring (April-May, into June sometimes), so the time to buy them is now. Scour your markets and local grocers, and if you find yourself some ramps scoop them all up and make one of these beautiful veggie-packed ramp recipes.
Where to Find Wild Ramps
Widespread across Eastern Canada and Eastern United States, ramps are often found in woods with rich soils and moist grounds, in depressions and on slopes. So if you’re planning on foraging wild ramps, that’s where you should look.
How to Cook with Ramps
Never cooked with ramps before? Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to do so. Ramps can be pickled, sautéed, grilled, made into pestos and sauces…you name it, you can probably do it with ramps. From Loaded Vegetable Spring Quiche with Ramps, to Ramp Butter and Simple Ramp Pasta, nothing will get you more excited for spring than these 30 best ramp recipes and dishes.
