The internet will tell you to love a million different things, but one of the most ridiculous obsessions is ramps. Ramps are just fine, and you know it. They’re like any other allium—except a little rarer and much more expensive. You could have a leek or a scallion year-round for half the price and with far better breath post-consumption. (Ramps stay with me for days.) But the internet loves to freak out, and in a few weeks, with the real start of spring, it will be screaming at you to cook with RAMPS.
People will urge you to toss them into salads, pesto, pizza—or something ridiculous like a smoothie. (Immunity boost!) Whether you listen is up to you. You know what I say? Think for your damn self.
The most likely scenario is that you’re at the farmer’s market, excited to be outside again, and want to buy something fresh. Be brave and admit to the doe-eyed vendor that ramps are a bit overpriced for what they are and tricky to cook with. You don’t eat pesto all that much, and your kids would never entertain an omelet for dinner. Really, you’re grabbing them for the dopamine hit. Or better yet, you’ll wait a few weeks until the real goods start rolling in.
Why do people like ramps so much? I don’t know. It’s like one of those Auberge resorts everyone tells you to visit—you get there, and it’s fine. Maybe just a little bit nicer, with some fancier decor, and tudey barista in a twee outfit. What I’m saying is it’s time to start thinking for ourselves. Resist the hubbub, and don’t even get me started on fiddlehead ferns.
See? Nothing special. (The purple stem is the Ramps twee outfit.)
Ramps schmamps. Every year as you describe I succumb to buying them and then look at them in the vegetable drawer thinking what do I do with them now... Smoothie?!? Meh
I’ll still be a sucker i think lol i love a dopamine farmers market moment!