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Bettina Makalintal is a senior reporter at Eater.com, covering restaurant trends, home cooking advice, and all the food you can’t escape on your TikTok FYP. Previously, she worked for Bon Appétit and VICE’s Munchies.
With the approach of spring, anticipation builds for the arrival of ramps, a seasonal delicacy that many food enthusiasts eagerly await. Their emergence on social media platforms like Instagram hints at the forthcoming culinary excitement.
Ramps, also known as wild leeks or wild garlic, are a trendy and somewhat perplexing addition to menu offerings. These small green vegetables, which can be mistaken for scallions, have quickly become a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. But what exactly makes ramps so special, and why do they elicit such enthusiasm?
What Are Ramps?
To understand ramps, it’s helpful to clarify what they’re not: they are distinct from leeks, scallions, and shallots. Often referred to as wild leeks, ramps feature a delicate appearance, typically showcasing one or two broad green leaves and a white stalk that is entirely edible. The flavor profile stands out; ramps exhibit a bolder taste compared to leeks, with a more pronounced garlic essence than scallions.
Why Are Ramps So Coveted?
The brief ramp season creates a sense of urgency among food lovers. Like prized truffles and mushrooms, ramps are usually foraged, adding an element of adventure to their gathering. They symbolize the arrival of fresh produce after a long winter, resonating with the excitement of the upcoming farmers’ market season. Their limited availability heightens interest, often leading to long lines as enthusiasts seek to procure these sought-after vegetables.
Cooking with Ramps
Ramps can be utilized in a variety of culinary applications, much like their more widely known relatives, onions. They can be sautéed in butter for a simple side dish or incorporated into an omelet. Creative cooks might blend them into pesto, compound butter, or vinaigrette. To make the most of their fleeting season, consider pickling ramps. For those looking for a year-round solution, Burlap & Barrel offers dehydrated ramps that can be easily added to various dishes.
What Do Ramps Cost?
Due to their popularity and demand, ramps often come at a premium price. While estimates typically hover around $20 per pound or $5-$10 for a small bunch, some specialty retailers like D’Artagnan have sold them for upwards of $27.99 per pound in previous seasons.
Should I Worry About Ramps?
The excitement surrounding ramps does come with a caveat: overharvesting poses risks to their populations. Advocate Russ Cohen has raised concerns regarding unsustainable foraging practices, urging for a more responsible approach to ensure the longevity of ramp habitat.
How to Harvest Ramps Sustainably
If foraging, Cohen advises picking only one leaf per plant, leaving the bulb intact to allow for regeneration. Given that ramps have a slow growth cycle, the National Agroforestry Center suggests only modest harvesting from a cluster, echoing findings from a 2004 study that recommended limiting harvest to 10 percent of a patch and waiting a decade before revisiting it. When purchasing, opt for vendors selling just the leaves, and consider supporting those who practice sustainable cultivation methods as demand continues to rise.
Thus, while it’s easy to get carried away with ramp mania, it’s crucial to approach it with care, keeping in mind the shared enthusiasm for these seasonal gems.
Where to Find Ramps
Local farmers’ markets often provide the best chance of procuring fresh ramps. Additionally, specialty grocery stores such as Whole Foods and Eataly may carry them as part of their seasonal offerings.
Source
www.eater.com