Cooking Out Of The Box

Well, as I am not poetic, this is not really an ode to ramps. I did write a post last season that gushed about the discovery of ramps when we first joined our CSA years ago.

The ramp season is very, very short.  People who don’t get early CSA boxes are out of luck when it comes to ramps, because the season lasts for only two to five weeks each spring, starting in April.  Our CSA, Harmony Valley Farm, has several patches of ramps that grow in their valley.

Ramps are high in Vitamns A and C, and fight inflammation, cardiovascular disease and are thought to provide immunity against colds and flu.  These wild leeks look like scallions and can be used in the way that onions, scallions and garlic are used. 

Ramps do not last long in the refrigerator, and if stored incorrectly, have an even shorter life.  Wrap the ramps in a damp paper towel and place in a plastic bag, or you will end up with a very slimy bulb.