PENINSULA, Ohio -- Ramps are like magic wild onions appearing on forest floors just before trees leaf out. Then, suddenly they’re gone without a trace. Most people have never seen one in the wild because of their short season and limited availability. If you know you know. The Peninsula Area Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the ephemeral allium with the Ramp Up Peninsula festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 26. The festival includes a number of food vendors selling everything from Bloody Stink’ Marys to pickled ramps, bread, scones and much more. Guided walks will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. and from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. The event will be filled with live music. Purplebrown Farm Store , 1619 Mill Street West, is both an event sponsor and a supplier of ramps and ramp-based products. If you like that onion-garlic flavor, you’ll get to indulge in a variety of food items at the festival, says Sasha Miller, owner of Purplebrown Farmstead and Farm Store. Do you forage for ramps or other wild edibles? If so, what? “We work with almost 80 local growers,” says farmer-owner Sasha Miller. “A couple of our farmers have cultivated ramps on their farms and some have forested areas that have naturalized with ramps.” The plants are expected to start showing their fragile leaves in early April and continue through early May, depending on the weather. Miller says her suppliers are careful to respect the delicate green when harvesting, something that’s important for its continued growth in an area. “Everybody is thoughtful and intentional in how they harvest and handle to be sure those areas continue to grow,” Miller says. Sustainability is important. Harvesters may cut a few leaves instead of pulling whole plant in a small young patch. Once a ramp patch is established, they may pull the whole plant, but only a few per patch. “It’s an early spring green, a great way to celebrate the beginning of spring season,” says Miller. “The spring veggies can be a little underrated. They’re insanely good for your health.” Ramps can be eaten fresh, served in salads and wraps or cooked in soups and stews. They good in scrambled eggs and make a good aioli for burgers. They can be substituted for onions in most recipes. When they’re raw, ramps are aromatic and flavorful. They mellow with cooking. Eating copious quantities can result in temporary onion-like body odor which repel mosquitos and people. Purplebrown will sell ramps, ramp salt and more throughout the season. Super fans may want to trek to West Virginia where ramps are wildly celebrated with dinners and festivals. For more information, check out West Virginia Ramp Dinners & Festivals.
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