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?
