Eating Spring

Allium tricoccum (Ramps, Wild Leeks)

Early spring time is Ramp time. Ramps, also called Wild Leeks are a wonderful springtime treat. Ramps are only found for a short time in early spring about the same time that the maples are flowering. They are usually found in an undisturbed hardwood wood forest. Because it is a perennial. I'll only take a few from a large group. They look almost like the leaves of Lily of the Valley only a little greener. Ramps, a member of the onion family, are also identified by the strong onion -garlic smell.flavor and odor.



To use, clean the ramps, removing the outer layer of the bulb. Both the leaves and bulb end are used.



Our Sunday dinner was to be a roasted chicken. After seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper, I placed a few whole ramps in and on the chicken and placed that in a roasting pan. Then I peeled potatoes and cut them into chunks. Tossed them with salt and chopped ramps and placed that around the chicken. I covered the pan and placed in a 350 degree oven until the chicken was almost done. Then I removed the cover and let the chicken brown.



It was delicious. If anything, I would have added more ramps !