| Someone said there is a plant that grows wild in West Virginia that natives to the state pick and cook, I believe they are cooked like turnip greens. I can't find anyone who has heard of "Ramps" in Kentucky, what vegetable do they resemble? |
| Well, you got lucky on this one...I am a resident of WV so I am just who you are looking for. In the various seasons we Mountaineers head for the hills to search for many "wild foods"...Molly Moochers (Morel mushrooms), Ramps, Poke Greens, Dandelions, etc. With ramps, we say we are going "ramping". Ramps are a very pungent vegetable that look sort of like a green onion. The taste is very strong, (but delicious), a cross between onions and garlic. They aren't cooked like collard greens, you wouldn't want to be around someone who ate a bowl of just ramps. They are used as an enhancer...in pinto beans, scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, etc. "Ramp Dinners" are very common in this state. Ramps are a very big part of WV's culinary history...if you are ever driving through and see a Ramp Dinner advertised...go! |
