What's This?

Also known as wild leeks, ramps are considered to be a spring delicacy in the eastern regions of the United States. Their unique pungent flavor is similar to onions and garlic. They can be used in any recipe calling for green onions (scallions) or leeks. Both the bulb and the leaves are edible.

Ramps grow in clumps in forests of deciduous trees, and most ramps consumed are harvested from the wild.

According to The Oxford Companion to American Food and Drink, “Ramps were part of the Native American diet, valued for their blood-cleansing properties and eaten eagerly at winter’s end. Over time the ramp harvest became a rite of spring in many Appalachian communities giving way to community festivals.” Among the more famous celebrations are:

Boone County Ramp Festival
Crossnore, NC. http://www.masondixonpark.com/rampfest08.html

Ramp Festival
Cosby, Tenn. http://www.cosbyrampfestival.org/

Ramp Festival
Elkins, W. Va. http://www.randolphcountywv.com/rampfestival/index.html

Ramp Festival
Flag Pond, Tenn. http://www.flagpond.com/festival/ramp/fest.htm

Ramp & Tramp Festival
Polk County, Tenn. http://www.polkagextension.com/ramppage.html

Ramp Fest
Richwood, W. Va. http://www.richwooders.com/ramp/ramps.htm

Romp and Ramps
Robbinsville, N.C. (800) 470-3790)

Whitetop Mountain Ramp Festival
Whitetop, Va. http://www.graysoncountyva.com/eventsingraysoncountyvirginia.asp?

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