The ramp (Allium triccocum), also known as wild leek and wild garlic, is a wild growing spring delicacy found across much of the eastern half of North America. It is a perennial member of the onion family with a strong garlic-like odor and a pronounced onion flavor. Because these plants are rare in Maine, though not rare enough to be considered threatened or endangered, we only use a small number (less than 10 pounds) each season. According to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, their scarcity is mainly due to a lack of suitable habitat and the fact that we are at the northern limit of their range.
Recently we’ve served them with the last of Austin Moore’s rutabagas from the root cellar and will have ramp butter this Saturday for the Semester School’s family weekend lunch. Enjoy appropriately.
