Ramps are in, in East Tennessee

[damascusmaker]

Picked up a handful at the local flea market yesterday morning. Had ramp fried taters and Smoked hotdog wieners with kraut last night for supper. A satisfied hillbilly!

 

[gearjammer]

What's a ramp?

Never even heard the term applied to food before.

      Ed

 

[damascusmaker]

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/120537/ramps

As far as I know they have never been domesticated, so must be found in the mountains. Being only available a few weeks a year kinda makes them a special treat. Your personal aroma is a give-away you have eaten them for many hours after. There are festivals here in their honor which include eating contests of the raw item. I tried that 1 time, never again!

http://www.flagpond.com/festival/ramp/fest.htm

http://www.mtrogersvfd-rs.com/ramp-festival

http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/Local/2015/05/03/Ramp-Festival-celebration-of-springtime-favorite

 

[gearjammer]

I thank you Sir.

We have Leeks around here and many ways of 

preparing them.

I think yours may be a different breed of cat though.

You ever make soup out of them, Leek soup is pretty good stuff.

             Ed

 

[GaryHibbert]

Hey Gearjammer.  Sure glad you asked what they are, 'cause I sure didn't have any idea.

damascusmaker, after reading what they are, I followed your links and found this quote:

" All parts of the wild ramps are edible and taste like the sweetest green onion with sharp, acrid sensations accompanied by a vilest smelling odor when cooked."

I figure they must be extremely delicious if you're willing to put up with that smell.  LOL

Gary

 

[HalfSmoked]

Sounds awesome I love raw garlic cloves (not to wife's fancy when I do) so I'm sure I could handle this.

Warren