Sunday, January 20, 2008

Ramps


Aspects: Colony-forming herbe, edible greens, part to full shade, moist to wet soil

Also known as wild leeks; resembles lily-of-the-valley with broad leaves

Shade-loving; emerge early-spring; in the wild ramps favor deciduous forests so plant in a shady deciduous location

Herbacious perennials 6-12 inches high that only leaf out for a short period of time in the spring. They grow in small clumps and spread over many years by dropping seed to form huge colonies; can be transplanted when in full leaf as long as you have moist soil with good organic matter in the right location

Propagate through division.

Eat the leaves and the bulbs. Leaves are tender, with a rich pungent flavor; cooked they are milder and more delicate. Bulb flavor is somewhere between garlic and onion.

Harvest and storage – Many people dig up the whole plants, leaving just a few from each clump. Shelf life is much greater when the plants are dug whole.

Ramp leaves can be used like leeks or scallions, although their shape and texture makes them far superior for use as a green. The bulbs are used like garlic or onions. Whole plants can be roasted or fried.

Glenn Facemire of G& N Ramp Farm in Richwood, West Virginia is an expert on growing ramps; booklets on growing available

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