More Wild Spring Delicacies….. The Leek
Wild Ramps or Leeks are an onion-like plant that grows in the deep woods. They are now growing here in Southern NE. If you have never harvested them and are interested, there are some very easy ways to identify them that can help you get you started. If you are out in late April or early May it will be about the only thing that that is bright green on the forest floor which makes them easy to find!
The wild leeks should have two or three bright green leaves with the small white bulb attached by a purplish stem. Ideally the leaves should be around 6 inches long and 2 inches wide, for the mildest flavor. Scallions like bulbs are strongly rooted just beneath the surface of the soil. Finish off your identification by tearing a leaf or stem and taking a sniff of the strong and distinctive onion scent of the Leek. If they don't smell like onions, they aren't Wild Leeks.
Look for soil habitats that are sandy, moist and often on hillsides and near streams. You can almost always find them while searching for Morels so a bad day of mushroom hunting can often be a good day for leeks!
Wild leek's flavor is very similar to onions, particularly like scallions, but with a wilder touch added in. For cooking they can be used interchangeably in any recipe that calls for scallions or green onions. Slicing leeks thin gives an amazing flavor twist to salads or stir-fry’s.
A simple, clear cut tutorial on how to Clean and Cut Leeks.
Wild Ramps or Leeks are an onion-like plant that grows in the deep woods. They are now growing here in Southern NE. If you have never harvested them and are interested, there are some very easy ways to identify them that can help you get you started. If you are out in late April or early May it will be about the only thing that that is bright green on the forest floor which makes them easy to find!
The wild leeks should have two or three bright green leaves with the small white bulb attached by a purplish stem. Ideally the leaves should be around 6 inches long and 2 inches wide, for the mildest flavor. Scallions like bulbs are strongly rooted just beneath the surface of the soil. Finish off your identification by tearing a leaf or stem and taking a sniff of the strong and distinctive onion scent of the Leek. If they don't smell like onions, they aren't Wild Leeks.
Look for soil habitats that are sandy, moist and often on hillsides and near streams. You can almost always find them while searching for Morels so a bad day of mushroom hunting can often be a good day for leeks!
Wild leek's flavor is very similar to onions, particularly like scallions, but with a wilder touch added in. For cooking they can be used interchangeably in any recipe that calls for scallions or green onions. Slicing leeks thin gives an amazing flavor twist to salads or stir-fry’s.
A simple, clear cut tutorial on how to Clean and Cut Leeks.
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