Could it be that spring is my favorite season? This thought came to me recently, while strolling The Douglass Loop farmers’ market, each booth decked out in full, green veggie regalia. I was overcome with gratitude and excitement, filling my bags to bursting with the gifts of the newest season. I would typically associate this jubilant feeling with the start of tomato season and the crashing waterfall of summer produce that comes in its wake. But what the spring season lacks in abundance it makes up for in blink-and-you’ll-miss-it delicacies like green garlic, spring onions, garlic scapes, mushrooms, asparagus, pea flowers, and of course, the all-mighty ramp. These niche ingredients are part of what made me fall in love with food and cooking from the market, the ramp in particular holding a special place in both my heart and the The Farmer & The Foodie’s origin story. Anyone who has been a part of a class or presentation Maggie and I have given has likely heard us talk about the hike we went on over a decade ago now, traipsing into the woodlands of Foxhollow in search of the wild ramp that grows with abundant abandon along the slopes and valleys of the forest floor. We harvested ramps that day, sitting down on a log to eat them fresh from the ground with a torn baguette and a bottle of white wine. We had the opportunity to share a similar experience with a handful of adventurous souls a few weeks ago, Maggie leading us back down into the woods and teaching us how to harvest ramps in a way that not only respects the land but helps the ramps to further cultivate and flourish. We ended our hike with a mini picnic of ramp pesto, ramp confit, and pickled ramps all served with fresh bread and white wine alongside. There is really nothing like getting out on the farm together and gathering ingredients from the ground. Plans for more picnic and hiking style experiences are in the works along with our already scheduled cooking classes on May 16th and June 5th! A few spots remain and we would love for you to join us in celebrating the unique gifts of this season - which, to my happy surprise, just may be my favorite!
Salud,
Lindsey & Maggie