Green Gold: Foraging for Wild Ramps in Pennsylvania

Forager Dan Eng explains sustainability of the celebrated Appalachian allium: Ramps. We visit chefs around Philly who sauté, grill, grind, and dress ramps in a fantastic variety of fresh dishes for their annual three week appearance. This unique garlic-onion flavor regularly draws the attention of foodies, chefs–even ramp pirates–as foragers raise awareness to protect the slow-growing vegetable from over-harvesting.

Interview/Forager
Dan Eng

WHYY Digital Studios
Gabe Coffey
Kayla Watkins

Featuring
Heavy Metal Sausage
Ramp Sausage
Executive Chef Patrick Alfiero

Liberty Kitchen/Psychedeli
The Rampadelphia and Ramp Pizza
Executive Chef Matt Budenstein

a. kitchen+ a. Bar
Grilled Branzino with Grilled Ramps
Executive Chef Eli Collins

Pumpkin BYOB
Crab Risotto, Roasted Ramps and Mushrooms
Chef Ian Moroney

Abe Fisher
Ramp Whitefish, Green Goddess Salad, Ramp Cocktail
The Sandwich Corner Market

Ramp Dip, Ramp Couscous
Executive Chef Evan Seplow

Urban Farmer
49 Day Age Bone-In Ribeye with wild ramp butter, Jumbo Shrimp Strozzapreti Pasta with Ramp Pesto
Executive Chef Sonny Ingui
Executive Sous Chef Jacob Altemus

Talula’s Garden
Ramp and Watercress Soup
Chef Charles Parker

Special Thanks

Ally Blair
Riverwards Produce and Staff
All Contributing restaurant staff

More information
How to Sustainably Harvest Ramps

The Impact of Ramps on Cherokee Rights

@chefjacobaltemus
@sagerestaurantconcepts
@urbanfarmerphl
@mattbuddahcheeese
@libertykitchenphl
@chefelicollins
@pumpkinphilly
@abefisher_philly
@riverwardsproduce

[brixandblooms]

I'd love to get some for my garden.

[larrya]

I used to own a ristorante here in Michigan it was a law that it had to be an approved food supplier that we got our food from. How do you get away with getting it from the wild's ?
Also are you not afraid that among the ramps there might be a Lilly of the valley with them ?

[tkbadgirl]

I wonder if this is near Ridley Creek.. 🤔

[bradbish]

Question: Do you need a license to sell plants in PA?
Answer: Anyone selling or transporting plants in Pennsylvania must apply for and receive a license under Pennsylvania's Plant Pest Act.

Leeks have been unmercifully harvested in some areas and there are not many left in those places

I harvest enough on my property each year for a good batch of leek and potato soap--that's all

But, anything that easy money will get used up quickly

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