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Walking along a bubbling brook yesterday, I stumbled upon a lovely patch of ramps. Also known as wild leeks, ramps are native to the Appalachian mountain region in North America. The perennial is found in deciduous forests in the spring. The bulb has a lovely onion-garlic taste and is delicious raw, or lightly sauteed. It can also be used in recipes which call for leeks, or as a
substitute for onions. Last night, I sauteed some with salmon, and this evening, I made Ramp-Potato Soup:
- 1 c. thinly sliced ramps, including bulb, stem, and leaves
- 3 stalks thinly sliced celery
- 3 T. butter
- 4 c. chicken broth
- 3 – 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 c. half and half
- sea salt
- pepper
Saute the leeks and celery in the melted butter for about 10 minutes. Add 1 cup of chicken broth, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the potatoes and the remaining broth, cover, and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 – 20 minutes. Puree. Add the half and half, and salt and pepper to taste. Serve garnished with parsley.
Here’s the range map so you can check to see if they grow in your area: Map
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They look beautiful. I don’t know if we have them around here or not, I’ve never really heard of anyone harvesting them but I am only just starting to learn about wild foods in our area. I love how they look in that colander!
They grow into Canada. Here’s a range map: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=altr3. Is that PEI that is in white? Then they don’t grow there.
This is so funny that you posted this today. A friend came up for a visit and asked if I had ever had ramps. I said I didn’t know what they are and had never hear of them. Then you posted this LOL. Well, now I know. Thanks for the info. I don’t think they grow around here (north Alabama). But I’ll be on the lookout!
I just checked the range map, and yep, they sure do grow in Alabama!
I have never seen these in our area, but honestly I have not been really “looking” for them either. They look delicious.
Oh, yes, they ARE delicious!
My daughter harvests them in NH. I didn’t realize what they looked like.
Keep your eye out for them now that you know what they look like. You’ll really enjoy them!
I have a feeling those are not Texas natives, but they look delicious. Anything in the onion/scallion/garlic family always is.
http://planetpooks.com/?p=4637
No, sorry to say that they don’t grow in TX.
wow those are great looking and the soup sounds delish. Of course nothing awesome like that grows wild around here
haha. Betcha’ there’s lots of wild plants all around you!
Those ramps look wonderful! I don’t think we have them here, though…oh well
I want to try to find some…sounds delicious! My hubby and I are all about foraging, LOL! Where would I find if ramps grow in IL? Also, would you mind sharing this on my Link-up? It fits wonderfully! Thanks!
Here’s the range map: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=altr3. Looks like they do grow in IL!! Thanks for the invite!
Yum – looks absolutely delicious!
Beautiful! I’m drooling over the ramps, sadly it doesn’t grow here.
I’ve always wanted to gather ramps – looks great!
Does anyone know if you can find seeds for these. I know I was in a shop once in West Virginia and they sold them. I bought some for a friend but I never did find out if they grew or not.
I did a quick google search and there seems to be several places that sell them. I may just try growing them myself one of these days.
That’s so cool! I’m such a city girl; I have no clue how to forage in the wild. Thanks for linking up to Healthy 2Day Wednesday; come back next week to see if you were featured!
Even cities have much to forage!
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I’ll have to keep my eyes out for these. Great post!
Thanks, Nancy!
I live in PA and I know they grow around here, but is there a specific enviroment that they like to grow in? Example: partial sun, next to water, etc. We have plenty of forest/wooded areas to look, but I need help narrowing it down please… don’t want to be looking in all the wrong spots! LOL! Thanks.
Ramps generally grow under the shade of hardwood trees and often grow near streams. They like areas with a lot of organic matter. They seem to also like north facing hillsides. Good hunting!
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