Early ramps – tender & tiny, but potent
The West Coast has had an unusually wet winter, which has kick-started the season with an early harvest of orchard morels and other spring delicacies.
But the big news of the moment are RAMPS! The first, tiny “early” ramps of the year are expected to start rolling into the Earthy Delights warehouse within the next few weeks and ramp lovers across the country will once again be able to indulge in their passion for the pungent “King of Stink,” as ramps are affectionately known by many.
These early or “baby” ramps are a little different from the ramps that appear later in the season. Their tender, delicate leaves are still mostly furled and the bulbs are slender, almost like a small scallion. But as small as they are, their flavor is BIG! Many ramp aficionados swear that the early ramps are the most potent, the strongest, hottest and the best of the season.
True or not? You decide. It’s only during this very brief season – as short as two or three weeks of the year – that we can indulge ourselves in the rustic delicacy that has been called “the Tennessee truffle.”
One more thing: One of the hot topics associated with the harvest of ramps (or wild leeks, as they’re known in their northern range) is over-harvesting. Rest assured, Earthy Delights supports and promotes the responsible harvest of ramps and other wild foods. Our foragers are required to adhere to our strict guidelines for the sustainable and responsible harvesting of ALL wild foods. With care, our wild food heritage will be protected for generations to come.