Mastering the Art of Cooking Ramps Vegetable with Expert Tips and Techniques

category
Blog General
Author
Foraged
date
06.03.23
read time
4 minutes

Ramps are one of the most sought-after seasonal vegetables because of their unique flavor and texture. Native to North America, ramps have a distinct pungency that strikes a balance between garlic and onion. They have an earthy aroma that makes them absolutely irresistible. Ramps vegetable is common in many parts of Canada and America, and it's becoming increasingly popular globally.

As with any vegetable, the secret to getting the most out of your ramps is to cook them perfectly. Fortunately, mastering the art of cooking ramps vegetable isn't as tricky as it sounds. In this article, we will walk you through the steps, tips and techniques needed to cook ramps like a pro.

Before we get started, it's important to mention that ramps are seasonal, and their availability is limited. They usually appear in the early spring and are gone by mid-summer. So when you spot them at the farmers' market or in your local grocery stores, grab them while you can.

How To Prepare Ramps Vegetable?

Preparing ramps is relatively easy. Cut off the tough ends of the stems and roots, then wash them thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt, which can ruin the flavor. You can also remove the outer layer of skin, which can be tough. Once you’ve prepped your ramps, it's time to start cooking.

Sautéing ramps is one of the easiest and quickest ways to cook them. It's a simple process that takes only a few minutes, making it the ideal method when you're in a hurry.

Heat a pan over medium heat and add some oil or butter to the pan. Once the fat is melted, add the ramps and cook for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and they're ready to serve. You can also add other aromatics, such as garlic, lemon juice, or vinegar, to enhance the flavor.

Another way to cook ramps vegetable is by blanching them. This method involves immersing them in boiling water for a few seconds, then removing them and immediately plunging them into ice water to stop the cooking process. This method is perfect for recipes that require pre cooked ramps or to preserve their bright green color.

Grilling ramps is a popular option for adding a smoky flavor to this vegetable. It's also an excellent way to cook them when entertaining guests because it makes for a visually stunning presentation.

Simply brush the ramps with olive oil and place them on a preheated grill. Cook the ramps for a couple of minutes, turning once, until they are slightly charred and tender.

Roasting ramps in the oven creates a crispy texture and caramelizes the natural sugars in the vegetable. Roasting ramps also brings out their earthy flavor and sweetness.

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place your ramps on a baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil or butter. Then season with salt and pepper and roast for 15 to 20 minutes until tender.

Pickling ramps involve fermenting them in a solution of vinegar, salt, and sugar. This method gives a unique flavor to ramps, which goes well with sandwiches, salads, and meats.

To pickle ramps, clean and trim the ramps, and pack them tightly in hot, sterilized jars. Bring a mixture of one part vinegar to two parts water to a boil, along with spices like black pepper, garlic, and bay leaves. Pour the mixture over the ramps and let them cool. Once the ramps are pickle-ready, we suggest letting them sit in the fridge for at least two weeks before cracking open the jar.

Cooking ramps vegetable is easy, and there are different methods to do it. Whether you choose to sauté, blanch, grill, roast, or pickle them, the most important thing is to keep it simple, so as not to overpower the flavor of the ramps themselves. You can experiment with other flavorings, but only add a pinch so as not to overpower the ramps' subtly sweet and pungent flavor. So, go ahead, get creative, use our expert tips, and whip up some deliciously aromatic ramps vegetable dishes to impress family, friends, and guests alike.

Learn More About Ramps

About Foraged

At Foraged, we’re on a mission to empower small-scale food purveyors to grow healthy, sustainable businesses while nourishing everyday people by providing easy access to unique foods.

By supporting Foraged vendors, you're helping to build a better, more sustainable food system for everyone.

Plus, we're committed to doing things the right way - our platform puts the power back in the knowledgeable hands of those who grow, harvest, and create foods most responsibly.

And we don't just stop there, we also want to make sure you know how to cook and preserve the specialty foods you source from Foraged, which is why we provide educational resources and delicious recipes for you to try.

If you’re interested in partnering with us to earn 5% passive commission with every referral, please visit this page for you to try.

Wild Ramp Recipes

make something wild

Need some inspiration or insight on how to use your new goods? We got it.