Ramps
Latin Name: Allium tricoccum
Other Names: wild leek
Ramps are a very special allium with a wide leaf, originally from the NE areas of what is now the United States. Often referred to as a wild leek, ramps can take up to seven years to grow to full maturity when they put up their flowers to reproduce. They have recently come into the spotlight amongst chefs and foragers, however this newfound popularity is putting ramps’ already limited growth in an even more precarious situation.
Not everyone has to try ramps to appreciate them. But if you do really want to try ramps, understand the consequences and make sure to educate yourself and learn how to forage responsibly. Find an area where they’re abundant and leave sparse areas alone, and harvest a very few. See more ramp foraging advice from the beloved @blackforager below.
More resources:
How to Sustainably Harvest Ramps: Over-harvesting threatens to endanger a beloved springtime ingredient. Learn how to source ramps more responsibly, by Luz Cruz | Serious Eats
