Ramps – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What are ramps?

Ramps are a type of wild onion and a member of the allium family. They are a cousin of plants like garlic, onions, chives, shallots, and scallions, and their flavor is often described as a cross between garlic and onion. They certainly have the pungency most people associate with garlic and can leave e a similarly strong scent on the breath! Apart from the roots, each part of the ramp—bulbs, stalks, and leaves—can be eaten. Ramps are also known as wild leeks.

Shop ramps and other root vegetables.

Ramps are highly sought after, mainly due to their extreme seasonality. Even when they’re in season, supplies are usually limited and quickly exhausted. As a result, ramps tend to be sold at higher prices than similar vegetables. Ramps have enjoyed a spike in interest in recent years thanks to several high-profile restaurants and chefs championing their use. However, the growth in demand for ramps has led to some ramp patches becoming depleted through over-foraging.

Ramps can be enjoyed raw in salads, but they’re also great cooked—saute them, grill them, or roast them. Some people like to pickle their ramps and keep them in mason jars, while others swear by ramp pesto for a pungent twist on conventional basil pesto.

Where did ramps originate from?

Ramps are native to North America. Native Americans used them for centuries both as a source of food and in medicine. They grow in woodland areas in the United States and Canada. They are particularly associated with the Appalachian regions of West Virginia and North Carolina, where they are celebrated in a number of local festivals.

What is the nutritional value of ramps?

A 100g serving of ramps contains around 30 calories and approximately 8g of carbohydrates. Ramps contain negligible quantities of protein, fat, and fiber. However, like other types of onion, they are a valuable source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and minerals like selenium which supply the body with antioxidants to help fight illness.

How are ramps grown?

As a wild vegetable, ramps have traditionally been foraged. Ramp foraging remains popular today (although it has also been outlawed in some parts of Canada and the United States). However, commercial producers have recognized that demand overwhelms the foraged supply and have started to develop their own ramp patches.

Ramps grow best in wooded areas, where damp soil and the partial shade of nearby trees provide the ideal conditions. They can be grown from seeds or existing bulbs. However, ramps demand patience, requiring around 5 to 7 years from the planting of the seeds before they can be harvested.

When are ramps in season?

Ramps are in season in spring, usually appearing from mid-March into the first weeks of April (that timeline may vary from region to region). They’re one of the first vegetables to appear in spring, but ramps season only lasts for a few weeks, meaning that their moment has already passed by the time many other spring crops arrive. A short season combined with intense demand from shoppers means ramps can be extremely scarce.

What should I look for when buying ramps?

First, take a look at the leaves, which should be a vibrant, solid shade of green. Fresh, good-quality ramps have relatively thin stalks, and both the stalk and bulb should be firm to touch and look healthy. Wilted leaves are a sign the ramps are getting old. Avoid ramps that generally look tired and worn out or which have a slimy feel to them. Finally, remember that the window of opportunity for buying ramps may be very limited, and the grocery store may sell out for the season relatively quickly. Find out when they’ll be in stock, and buy your ramps early to avoid disappointment.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for ramps via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for ramps.

How to store ramps

Fresh ramps should be stored in the vegetable crisper section of the refrigerator. Wrapping the ramps in damp paper towels will help them stay cool, moisturized, and refrigerated. Ramps will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days, although the leaves will begin to wilt before the stalks, so don’t wait too long before using them. Freeze them to extend their longevity to about 6 months. Be sure to rinse ramps thoroughly before use to remove any surface dirt.

How to tell if ramps are bad

Trust your eyes to know when it’s time to dispose of unused ramps. Ramps that have gone bad or are starting to go bad will have wilted leaves, and the leaves may also lose their color. Yellowing leaves are a sure sign that your ramps are past their best. If the ramps are slimy to the touch, it’s time to get rid of them.

What can I substitute for ramps?

No single vegetable can really replace the flavor of ramps entirely, but scallions are perhaps the closest substitute. Use the green part of the scallion for the best results. Spring onions are another possible replacement, with leeks an outside bet. Whatever you use, try throwing a clove or two of garlic into the mix to retain the garlicky aroma that ramps provide.

Be first in line for ramps

After everything you’ve learned, it’s probably best to leave foraging for ramps to the pros. However, that doesn’t mean you need to miss out on this unique vegetable. Instead, use Instacart to explore the local grocery stores and order the season’s freshest, most high-quality ramps before the crowds arrive.

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