They’re back! It’s the season again for ramps aka: wild leeks. For a time I thought they only grew wild in the eastern U.S. but now I realize that they also grow Canada.
Like some strong cheeses, their “fragrance” is stronger than their taste. If you can get your hands on some, maybe at Farmer’s Markets, or if you are a forager, you will have your secret place. Scrambled eggs with ramps anyone? Or maybe try making some of the recipes linked below. The green tops are quite fragile and can bruise easily, so handle with care. At least they are not like stinging nettles where you need to wear gloves!
I did a little research and discovered a few things about ramps. The mountain people of Appalachia have long celebrated the spring arrival of ramps and believe they have great power as a tonic to ward off many ailments of winter; not unlike other spring festivals in other parts of the world, celebrating new greens. Today many ramp festivals take place in the eastern U.S.to celebrate their arrival. It is felt that ramp festivals may encourage harvest in unsustainable quantities, unfortunately.
Here in Canada, ramps are considered rare delicacies. Sadly, their growth is not as widespread as in Appalachia and they are protected in Quebec under Quebec law because they are considered a threatened species. People there are allowed to gather them for their own use but the protected status prohibits any commercial transactions of ramps; this prevents restaurants from serving ramps. The law does not always stop poachers, who find a ready market across the border in Ontario where ramps may be legally harvested and sold.
The ramps we have been lucky enough to buy have been foraged here back east. I hope you are lucky enough to be able to try these delicacies!
Helpful links to: Spaghetti With Ramps, Ramp Biscuits and Ramp and Sausage Risotto.
Interesting that you are writing about leeks today. My brother Bill was making potato & leek soup this morning from wild leeks he got at the cottage. He LOVES them & I never even knew they existed up there. Who knew 🙂
Ramps are totally amazing! Tell your foraging brother that I paid $25.00 for just over 2 lbs. Yikes, wish I could find a patch here. Saute some up then add to scrambled eggs. We have been ramping a lot over the past week!
Hey, good intel on the ramps, especially after the questions on Chowhound a while back. Are they still around? Got them at Trout Market I assume?
Hey, no I have not found any at the market. Did you see some? My friend, Andrea, sourced some for me. Would love to find some more. The biscuits were awsome!
Ciao, P