Leeks

Still nothing up here in the north. Won't b long though.

 

I'm new to leeks however I found a huge patch late last summer while scouting for deer season that were already forming seed. The place is in Jefferson Co and is a little bit of a drive from my house so I want to time my trip just right. Any tips on when I should plan to go?

 

I'm only a few miles from Jefferson County. I'd say at least a week before they come up. Once they start it don't take long for um to grow.

 

Are you guys talking about wild ramps?

 

Yes Ramps and Leeks same thing... Enjoy!

 

My favorite way to eat them is pickled. YUM!!

 

I recently heard of a recipe for a ramp/leek pesto for pasta that I want to try this season. You use the leaf rather than the bulb.

 

Absolutely I do a mix of fiddleheads and ramps.
But my favorite way to eat them is heavily charged on the grill with just olive oil and S-P. Sometimes a remoulade or shiracha aoili to dip them in.

 

That sounds delicious!!

 

Thanks for the advice on timing. I'm heading out later this week to check my spot!

 

I'm seeing tons of them this year. The leaves are about 4" high right now. We usually don't gather any until around May 1st. Ramps, morels and fresh eggs make for a great breakfast!!

You can keep them fairly fresh for quite a while in the fridge by not washing them. Then again, after going through the effort to dig them up, it's difficult not to include them in a dish every time the opportunity presents itself.

Ramps and fingerling potatoes make a great soup using any available potatoe leek soup recipe.

 

Finally seeing them popping up everywhere.

 

Found these in Jefferson County this afternoon. Never have found them when they were still edible. Now to find some good recipes!

 

I will be on my first forage this weekend if no shrooms then it will be ramps for sure

 

I have a spot up here I can check. There's usually thousands in the patches I get them from. I'll check it out over the next couple days.

 

Thanks for the tips geogymn! I made a frittata this morning with leeks and leftover Easter ham that I cured and smoked myself. Husband said it was the best frittata he ever had. Going to try your ideas and possibly pickled leeks.

Heading out in the morning for another round of digging. When you guys harvest leeks, do you leave the bottom part of the bulb and the roots to grow next year?