10 Fascinating Facts About Ramps That Every Home Chef Should Know

Welcome to the world of Ramps! The Wild Ramps we source for top SF restaurants are a highly popular ingredient in the culinary world. Bringing these special spring greens to Bay Area home chefs is something meaningful and special to us. To share the ramp love, here are 10 fascinating facts about this delicious spring allium that you may not know, but definitely should.

Wether you've cooked in your kitchen with ramps before, or have never even seen a ramp in person yet, these facts will get you up to speed on all the important things pro chefs focus on when selecting and cooking their ramps.

10 THINGS ABOUT WILD RAMPS THAT HOME CHEFS SHOULD KNOW (FROM FOUR STAR MASTER CHEFS)

1. Ramps are also known as wild leeks and are a species of onion native to North America. They grow wild in the eastern United States and Canada and are harvested in the spring.
2. Ramps have a short growing season, which makes them highly prized among chefs and foodies. They typically appear in farmers' markets and specialty food stores in early spring and are only available for a few weeks.
3. Ramps have a unique flavor that is both sweet and pungent. They taste like a combination of garlic and onions and are often used to add depth and complexity to dishes.
4. Ramps are highly nutritious and are packed with vitamins and minerals. They are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium, calcium, and iron.
5. Ramps have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Native Americans used them to treat colds and flu, and they were also believed to have cleansing properties.
6. Ramps are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes. They are often used in soups, stews, and sauces, as well as in omelets, frittatas, and quiches.
7. Ramps are also a popular ingredient in pesto, which is a sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil. Ramp pesto has a unique flavor that is milder than traditional pesto and goes well with pasta, fish, and chicken.
8. Ramps can be pickled, which is a great way to preserve them and extend their shelf life. Pickled ramps have a tangy, slightly sweet flavor and are a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and cheese plates.
9. Ramps are a forager's delight, and many people enjoy hunting for them in the wild. However, it's important to be mindful of the environment and only take what you need to avoid over-harvesting.
10. Ramps are a true seasonal delicacy, and their availability is limited. If you're lucky enough to get your hands on some ramps, make the most of them by experimenting with different recipes and savoring their unique flavor while you can.