Foraging Georgia Ramps + Pickling Recipe

 Homespun ATL Foraging and Pickling RampsAtlanta GA_04

Recently I had the opportunity to go foraging for ramps. I have wanted to do this for years, but the fleeting season always got away from me. Not this year! I was really excited to finally find these delectable onion, garlic bulbs to harvest.

My friend Jonathan and I got an early start leaving Atlanta at 4:30 am to our destination in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  The scenery was amazing and rejuvenating.  After 2.5 hours we arrived to a small foot path where we began our trek.  After traveling up and down the path we finally arrived to a hillside where we would start harvesting.

Jonathan gave me a quick demo of what to look for and how to dig up without harming the precious bulbs. Once out of the ground we gave the ramps a quick shake and a good whip to get the moist, fertile soil off.

Homespun ATL Foraging and Pickling RampsAtlanta GA_02

Then began the real work of scaling up the hillside at a forty-five degree incline while plucking them. Amongst the thick of the Blue Ridge Mountains, we were looking for bright green leaves, picking off any yellow leaves. It was a great experience and I found myself being brought back to my childhood when it was cool to play the dirt.

This experience was surreal, I was finding my own produce out in nature.  If Jonathan and I weren’t out here, these delectable goodies would not be able to enjoyed by our family, friends and fellow patrons.  I was proud to do the leg work for them.

The return hike with bags full of ramps along that foot path was much more daunting, and seemed like we were scaling huge mountain.  After making it back to his truck we distributed our finds amongst several large coolers, wrapping the ramps in towels to prevent them from sitting in icy water.

It was neat to know that I got to be part of the supply chain to provide fresh, local produce. I also got a glimpse of the hard work involved to do so, and have a greater sense of gratitude for our farmers, producers, and foragers.  The respect for the farms, earth, and the community that they offer each day is something that should not go unseen and should be given praise.  One of the reasons I enjoy our local markets is getting to know the face behind where my food comes from.

Homespun ATL Foraging and Pickling RampsAtlanta GA_06

The trip had me inspired to highlight these bulbs and I began sounding like Bubba from Forrest Gump in my brainstorming, but instead of shrimp my mind was on ramps...Honey roasted ramps, pickled ramps, sautéed greens, ramp pesto, ramps in frittata, grilled ramps, and you get the point... For a chef you can't ask for better way to get motivated.  I got to take my experience of ramp harvesting and share that joy through my food for others to enjoy.

Best,

Jason Jimenez

Homespun ATL Foraging and Pickling RampsAtlanta GA_10

Homespun ATL Foraging and Pickling RampsAtlanta GA_01

Spicy Pickled Ramps Recipe

Since the season is short, pick up ramps from the farmers market this week to make this recipe.  Jonathan of Abundant Harvest Gardens sells them at FARM - Farmer's Atlanta Road Market on Tuesday and  Peachtree Road on Saturday.

For Blanching

  • 1 cup Kosher Salt
  • 1 gallon Water
  • 2 lb. Ramps

Trim ramps, cutting the green leaves off and reserve for another use (great sautéed with carrots and made into a pesto).  Once bulbs are cleaned put a large pot on stove add salt and bring to a boil. Begin to blanch ramps for about thirty seconds. Remove from water, shocking in ice bath to stop the cooking. Once the ramps are cold through, pat dry, and place into pickling jars. Be sure not to overload jar with ramps.

Homespun ATL Foraging and Pickling RampsAtlanta GA_09

For Pickling Brine

  • 2 cups Champagne Vinegar
  • 1 cup Water
  • 1 cup Cane Sugar
  • 2 Tbsp Sea Salt
  • 1 Tbsp Szechuan Peppercorns
  • 1 Tbsp Coriander
  • 1 each Cinnamon Stick
  • 1 Tbsp Mustard Seeds
  • 1 Tbsp Crushed Red Chili Flake
  • 1 Tsp Ground Turmeric

Combine water, sugar, salt, vinegar in a pot bring to a boil.  Once liquid is at a boil add spices and bring down to a simmer for about 5 minutes. Now pour hot brine over the prepared ramps to cover. Place lids on top, cool, then refrigerate. You can also preserve to eat year-round.

Enjoy with omelettes, frittatas, roasted chicken or duck, cured meats and cheeses.

MENU | May Gathering at Matchstic

May 2013 Homespun ATLFarmers Markets are in full swing by May, and we took full advantage by traveling around Atlanta to source the meal. We shared with our guests where the fresh produce came from and challenged everyone to shop local and taste the difference.  We desire authenticity in life through relationships, work and service.  The same standard can, and should, be set for our food. Here's a look of the evening focusing on the meal. For the full recap, please visit Pilgrim Creative. Enjoy!

Locally Sourced: Woodland Gardens, Crystal Organics, Skylight Farm, Tucker Farms, Pearson Farm, Watsonia Farm, Fry Farm, The Capra Gia Cheese Company

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Snacks Lemon White Bean Hummus with Fresh Herbs and Black Pepper Lavosh Roasted Strawberries with Local Goat Cheese on Rosemary Cream Biscuits

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First Course Tybee Island Shrimp and Seared Scallops with Spring Beets, Bibb Lettuce, Basil, and Orange Vinaigrette

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Entrée Braised Rabbit with Lemon Marsala Glaze with Leeks, Spring Onions, and English Peas Carrot Agnolotti with Asparagus and Thyme Roasted Cauliflower and Broccolini With Parsley and Capers

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Dessert Lemon Basil Panna Cotta, Poached Blueberries, Coconut Macaroons

Contributors: Paige Beasley of Pilgrim Creative – Photography // Krista Janos of Blue Eyed Yonder - Table Scape Design + Chair Rentals // Jamie Jimenez of Julia’s Poppies - Paper Goods