It’s spring, and I’m thinking about ramsons – is it possible to find them in the Pacific Northwest? For those unfamiliar, ramsons are first cousins of ramps, but more intensely flavorful to the point of addiction. They are better known in Europe as Bärlauch (Germany) and ail de l’ours (France). Germans in particular are wild about them. I once experienced a strong shock attempting to reach underneath an electric fence in the Alps, hoping to harvest just a few more of these guys. Anyway, the taste you experience in prepared foods like Bärlauch pesto is a pale imitation of the real, fresh thing. AFAIK, ramsons don’t grow around here, but I’d love to be proved wrong. Has anyone discovered a local source? Do any restaurants around here have a spring ramsons menu?
I’d never heard of the name ‘ramsons’, people here may be calling it ‘wild garlic’. Check at farmers markets and get on Foraged & Found’s mailing list. Do you know what environment it likes to grow in?
I believe wild garlic is the same. I’m in Portland, and there are foraging vendors at both the PSU (downtown) and Hollywood Saturday markets. I haven’t found it, alas – only ramps. The only habitat I’ve found is mountainous areas in Europe, but that’s more a reflection of where I’ve been than where it grows.
It’s interesting, BTW, that the FFE website includes only ramps and not wild garlic/ramsons/bärlauch in its spring offerings.
there is a bit more conversation about Ramps and Ramsons here
Yes, but no info about where to find them. As for the recipes, my experience is that wild garlic loses a lot of its pungency when it’s cooked, so I prefer either pesto or just adding them to sandwiches. Maybe omelettes at the last minute. Also, when shredded, a wonderful garnish.
Maybe ask where to find them on your local Reddit.
