Well folks, it is that time of year again…SPRING! When the outdoors is magically brought backto life from a long winters nap, including ramps. Ramps are also known asspring onion or wild leek, or if onewanted to get technical, Allium Tricoccum. The word ramp comes from theword ramson that is a common name for the European bear leak, which is abroad-leaved wild garlic. Ramps growacross the United States and Eastern Canada, from Alabama to Nova Scotia andManitoba to Oklahoma. These versatileramps are used in many different ways all over the globe.
Rampsare a perennial that start popping out of the rich, damp, cool soil of theforest floors in late spring. However,the leaves will start dying in late May, when they begin to develop a flower. This typically happens in June and soonafter, ramps will start producing seeds. However, it’s best to dig them in the spring, when they are young anddelicious. Ramps have a bulb that growsunderground In much the same way a scallion does. Ramps are only around to tease us for a shortwhile, but one could freeze them for use later in the year for cookingpurposes.
Rampshave a very strong taste and smell. Whenpreparing a large meal of ramps, don’t be surprised if people start to shy awaybecause of the odor, not only when eaten, but the smell they can leave on yourbreath and body. The whole ramp can beeaten or just the leaves. For that matter, just the bulb can be eaten, it is upto individual preference. Ramps are agood vegetable to put in eggs and potatoes. It can also be substituted in anyother dish where onion, garlic, or scallion would be used. Ramps can also beused as a seasoning in just about any recipe. There is an unlimited amount of uses for the ramp, as some even makeramp biscuits. Make use of the internetto tap into the many recipes posted by ramp enthusiasts.
WestVirginia hosts several festivals in honor of the ramp, including the annualRamp Feed and Festival in Richwood, andthe Helvetia Ramp Supper in Randolph County. Locally, the Amma Senior and Community Center sponsors a Ramp dinnerevery year. Native Americans andPioneers also made use of ramps as well. Considered a delicacy by many, Pioneer woman often pickled the bulbs toenjoy later in the year. NativeAmericans used ramps not only for cooking, but as an herbal remedy. Ramps can be used for insect bites bycrushing the bulbs and rubbing them on the affected area and ramp tea can beused to induce vomiting. Ramps, as onecan see, are a very delectable and versatile vegetable.
For more info on festivals http://www.wvcommerce.org/travel/thingstodo/history/fairsandfestivals.aspx
