Wild leeks are also known as "ramps." The perennial vegetables have a strong garlic odor and an onionlike flavor. The vegetable has broad, green, edible leaves and a purple-tinted stem. The bulbs on wild leeks are small and appear similar to scallions. Since the wild leeks, or ramps, reach their peak during the springtime, you may choose to freeze them to enjoy their flavor throughout the year.
Wash the wild leeks under cool running water to remove any dirt. Remove the outer papery skin from the ramps.
Dry the produce with paper towels to remove the excess moisture.
Remove the green ends from the ramps. Leave the roots intact. Slice the wild leeks or leave them whole.
Place the wild leeks into a freezer storage bag. Remove the air from the freezer bag and seal it shut.
Place the wild leeks in the freezer. Store the leeks in the freezer for up to three months for best results.
References
Tips
- Substitute wild leeks for scallions or green onions in recipes.
Warnings
- Always wash wild leeks thoroughly to remove all the dirt from the produce. Any remaining dirt or debris on the leeks can make you seriously ill.
- Avoid leeks with a slimy texture or a yellow hue because they have begun to decompose.
Writer Bio
Angela LaFollette holds a Bachelor of Arts in advertising with a minor in political science from Marshall University. LaFollette found her passion for writing during an internship as a reporter for "The West Virginia Standard" in 2007. She has more than six years of writing experience and specializes in topics in garden and pets.