Ramps sprouting up at WNC festivals, markets, restaurants
Foraging
Ramp season, considered mid-April to mid-May, is the ideal time to harvest them, but their peak time is weather-dependent. Baker said ramps favor forests’ natural environment for its rich soil, moisture, leaf litter, and organic matter. “You don’t want to harvest them too small because they don’t have enough flavor,” said Dibe Duckett, WNC Farmers Market assistant manager. “When they get really big and the tops start dying, they get very hot. It’ll burn your mouth.”
Festivals and farmers markets
Ellerslie McCue, WNC Farmers Market’s marketing and communications manager, said ramps may be found at farmers markets and produce stands across the region, like WNC Farmers Market in Asheville and TJ’s Mountain Market in Mars Hill. Baker encourages consumers to ask ramp sellers about their growing and harvesting practices to promote sustainability. Celebrate ramp season with fellow enthusiasts at these regional events.
Restaurants
Many area restaurants revamp their spring menus to feature specials showcasing ramps in their food and beverages. Eldr has a nettle spaghetti carbonara made with ramps, plus rye-crusted lamb chops featuring pickled ramps. Jargon added a stinging nettle and potato soup made with charred ramp oil. The Market Place is serving a ramp and new potato bisque soup.
Ramp recipe
Check out local farmers markets and stores for locally produced items like Well Seasoned Table’s Wild Ramp Sea Salt. Baker said at home, ramps can be dehydrated to make a ramp salt that can be preserved year-round. Or pickle them, as one would red onions, and refrigerate the ramp pickles.
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Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
