This month in the Catskills.

Ramp Season!

Ramps, also called wild onions or wild garlic, grow here in the Catskills for a brief time in the early spring, usually April through May. What's the big deal, and why do normally rational folks go CRAZY during this short season? They are delicious, can be used in many recipes, and their ephemeral nature is definitely a big part of their appeal. 

If you’re new to foraging ramps and unsure of where to find them or how to identify them, you could tag along with an experienced ramp forager, but they often guard their secret spots the same way truffle hunters do. With their life! 

So, here's what little I know. Ramps grow in shady areas and because they come up so early, they are usually easy to spot by their clusters of rich green color on a background of still brown woods. They have a distinctive smell, like onions or garlic. Cut the leaves, but DO NOT pull out the little white bulbs, to ensure they will grow again next year. And when in doubt about the plant, do not eat (a wise idea for anything you forage in the woods).

Look up the many recipes using ramp. Some of our favorites are ramp pesto on pasta and fish, ramp omelettes, and ramp butter on everything. Enjoy!