How to Pickle Ramps and Enjoy Their Flavor Year-Round

Are you a fan of ramps? These little garlic-like vegetables are only in season for a few short weeks in the spring, but their unique flavor is highly sought after among foodies. Luckily, there is a way to enjoy the taste of ramps year-round – by pickling them! In this article, we will show you how to pickle ramps so that you can savor their delicious flavor anytime you want.

At the outset, let’s talk about what ramps are and why they are considered a delicacy. Ramps, also known as wild leeks, are a type of onion that grows in the eastern US and Canada. They have a pungent flavor that's part garlic, part onion, and it is this flavor that draws people to them. However, ramp season is short-lived – typically from April to May – and ramps vegetable can be hard to come by when they're out of season. That's where pickling comes in. With just a few simple steps, you can extend the life of ramps and enjoy their flavor throughout the year.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pickle ramps:

Step 1: Harvest your ramps

The first step in pickling ramps is to harvest them. Ramps grow in the wild in wooded areas, and their leaves resemble wide blades of grass. When harvesting ramps, be sure to leave the bulbs and roots in the ground to allow for regrowth the following year. Alternatively, you can buy ramps vegetable from a local farmers' market, specialty food store or online at Foraged.

Step 2: Clean and trim your ramps

Once you have your ramps, you'll need to clean them. Rinse them under running water, and use a brush to remove any dirt or debris. Then, trim the roots and the upper leaves, leaving only the bulb and the lower green portion.

Step 3: Blanch your ramps

Blanching your ramps before pickling will help to keep their crunchiness and flavors intact. To blanch your ramps, bring a pot of water to a boil, and add your ramps. Let them boil for 30 seconds, then use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

Step 4: Prepare your pickling solution

Now it's time to make your pickling solution. In a large pot, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and any desired spices (such as mustard seeds or dried red pepper flakes). Bring the mixture to a boil, stir to dissolve the sugar and salt, and remove from heat.

Step 5: Pack your jars

Arrange your ramps into sterilized jars, layering them with any desired herbs or spices. Pour the pickling solution over the ramps, making sure that the jars are filled to the brim and there are no air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a damp paper towel to remove any spills, and then screw on the lids.

Step 6: Store your jars and enjoy

Let your jars cool down to room temperature and then store them in the refrigerator for at least a week before eating. The longer you let them sit, the more flavorful they will become. Pickled ramps can be enjoyed on their own as a snack, served alongside charcuterie or cheeses, or added to sandwiches and salads for an extra pop of flavor.

Pickling ramps is an easy and delicious way to savor the unique flavor of ramps year-round. By following these simple steps, you can harvest your own or buy ramps vegetable at a local market and create a tasty, tangy pickle that's perfect for snacking, cooking, or gifting to your foodie friends. So go ahead, give it a try and experience a burst of flavor that will leave you craving more!

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