Ramps (aka wild garlic or leeks) season is here in Eastern Ontario, and the window for picking it is brief. To make things tougher for us ramps fans, care must be taken not to over harvest and deplete the crop for future years.
In order to lessen our impact from foraging, especially where growth is sparse, it is possible to just remove a leaf or two from each plant and leave the bulb in the ground so the plant will still be there next year. The leaves on their own are
A couple of years ago I transplanted a small clump into my garden where it is doing very well, but still not the acreage I am aiming for. However, a few leaves taken will do it no harm and anticipate a larger crop next year.
To spread it as thin as possible, I decided to make a spread! Butter mixed with chopped steamed ramps leaves and a little fresh mint – other herbs or seasoning as desired.
This is not only an excellent spread, but can also be used to add flavour to soups and sauces. Stay tuned!
Related posts: Fermented ramps; Ramps omelette
April 28, 2016 at 5:57 pm
You are an encyclopaedia on gardening and farming Hilda. There are so many things I have learnt here on your blog. Thanks for sharing ☺
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April 28, 2016 at 7:28 pm
Thanks so much for the kind words!
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April 28, 2016 at 7:11 pm
I love this!
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April 29, 2016 at 7:44 am
I have them in my garden & love their unique flavor too! A great tasty idea with that special butter! Yum!
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April 29, 2016 at 11:08 am
Thanks, Sophie. There are so many things to do with them. A pity though that the season is so short.
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May 3, 2016 at 8:05 am
That is so.
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April 29, 2016 at 11:02 am
Never heard of ramp. Sounds interesting….. Wondering if it might be like Rakkyo, allium chinense….
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April 29, 2016 at 11:07 am
Thanks for dropping by. Ramps may well be similar, though I don’t know if the leaves of rakkyo are as big. The bulb of ramps is smaller and more garlic-like than onions. I expect you could use it as a substitute.
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April 29, 2016 at 11:18 am
Not as that big and like spring onion, but anyway will try. It must be good as well!
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April 29, 2016 at 11:06 am
This is awesome Hilda.. I love your posts on your garden and plants 🙂
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April 29, 2016 at 11:07 am
Thank you!
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April 30, 2016 at 1:36 pm
Wonderful!
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May 1, 2016 at 2:27 am
Ramps butter is genius!!
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