Foods that would be sought after

[scubadoo97]

How about something as simple as Onions?  or Garlic?

These things I use in abundance right now.  I feature them both in many dishes.....and I for one would not be able to live without them.

And then there are the utilitarian uses:  Stock...etc.

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This was my first thought also. The basic building blocks of many recipes.

[bleudauvergne]

Certain things herbs - parsley, chevril, thyme, sage, for instance, I'd seek for a lot of the dishes I make at home even if they became scarce. Leave out the fresh herbs and suddenly something is lost.

[jayt90]

But the word reminds me of fronds, and they will be available free in April, or as high-priced fiddleheads at the greengrocer in May...mmmmmmmmmm!

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Fiddleheads, chanterelles, morels, ramps, and plenty of other things are either free or really expensive. I know that we treat wild mushrooms very differently when they're abundant. During the few weeks of the year that porcini are up we put them in everything - the rest of the year we're very careful with how we use what little we've dried. When I used to pay $20/lb at the store for chanterelles I carefully brushed each one and used them very carefully. Now I think nothing of filling a colander with the ones we've foraged, cleaning them quickly under running water and using half a pound to make scrambled eggs.

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What are ramps? When and where would I look for them?

[Luckylies]

Blue claw crabs

marrow

pork belly

oranges (like the olden days)

chicken thighs

salt

pickles

siracha

[Carrot Top]

Has anyone said butter?

[Ling]

What are ramps?  When and where would I look for them?

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I believe ramps are something like wild baby leeks...or at least, they are in the same family.

[Chris Amirault]

Wikipedia to the rescue:

Their smell and taste has been described by Akron Beacon-Journal food columnist Jane Snow as "like fried green onions with a dash of funky feet." Another description of the flavor is like a combination of onions and strong garlic.

[Carrot Top]

The state of West Virginia is famous for ramps and holds an annual festival each spring to celebrate the spring "crop" if you could call it that - spring "gathering" might be a better word?

[jayt90]

Thanks for these replies about ramps. I believe my brother collects wild leeks for cock-a-leekie soup each spring.. Possibly ramps.

This year I'll get some when I look for water cress in the streams. Cress is available in the markets, but never as good as from a creek.

[Darcie B]

The state of West Virginia is famous for ramps and holds an annual festival each spring to celebrate the spring "crop" if you could call it that - spring "gathering" might be a better word?

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To wit:

Pickens Ramp Dinner

Pickens Ramp Festival is held in Pickens, WV on April 15, 2006 from 3pm to 8pm.

In the town of Pickens, WV 26230.

Upper West Fork Community Park & Fire Dept. Ramp Dinner

The 37th Annual Ramp Dinner at the Upper West Fork Park, in Chloe, West Virginia (Calhoun County) will be held on April 15, 2006.

Food serving begins at 4:00pm.

"MORE FOOD THAN YOU CAN SHAKE A SPOON AT"

Prices: Adults, $8; Children age 8 and under, $3.50.

Feast of the Ramson (Ramp Festival)

You are cordially invited to attend the National Ramp Association's 68th Anniversary of the Feast of the Ramson at Richwood High School on April 22, 2006 from 11:00am to 4:00pm.

Our Menu for the day includes Ramps, ham, bacon, potatoes, brown beans, cornbread and desserts.

Adults, $10.00; Children (12 & under), $5.00

Belington Presbyterian Church Ramp Dinner

Belington Presbyterian Church Ramp Dinner

DATE: April 22nd, 2006; TIME: 11am to 5pm

Cost: $6; Menu: Ramps, ham, brown or white beans, fried potatoes, cornbread, beverage and dessert.

International Ramp Festival & Cook-Off

$1,000 Prize cooking contest, taste testing, entertainment, crafts, ramp food vendors and a traditional ramp dinner. Free admission

LOCATION: Elkins City Park *Always held the last Saturday in April

Helvetia Ramp Dinner

The menu for this years annual ramp festival is ramps and fried potatoes, ham, white beans and cornbread, coleslaw, applesause, desserts and a drink.

April 29, 2006

The cost is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 5-12. Children under 5 eat free.

Ramp Dinner at Bomont (H.E. White Elementary)

This annual event features delicious home cooked foods.

Location: H.E. White Elementary, Bomont, WV.

May 7, 2006; Time: 11:00am to 3:00pm

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!!!

Springfield Annual Ramp Dinner

DATE: May 7, 2006

TIME: 11:30am to 5pm; COST: $7

LOCATION: Springfield Community Building

Please call to confirm time and date.

[Carrot Top]

That's a good gathering of gatherings, Darcie.

Are you going to any this year?

(It might be an idea to have this discussion on ramps moved to another thread so that others can see this list - Spring is coming SOON! )

[Carrot Top]

This year I'll get some when I look for water cress in the streams. Cress is available in the markets, but never as good as from a creek.

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You mean "from out the crik" don't you?

What is this "creek" thing?

[jayt90]

This year I'll get some when I look for water cress in the streams. Cress is available in the markets, but never as good as from a creek.

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You mean "from out the crik" don't you?

What is this "creek" thing?

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I'll admit I'm thoroughly confused!

The teachers always said creek, and teat, but we had our own way in the schoolyard.