Feast of the Ramson
Can there be anything more “country” than ramps, Road Trips Foodies?
Resembling a cross between garlic and an onion, the wild ramp is making inroads among hot-shot chefs who’ve never set food in the humble vegetable’s Appalachian stronghold.
For the folks in Richwood, West Virginia (map) — the self-proclaimed “Ramp Capital of the World” — the ramp’s allure has long been something to celebrate.
To wit, the 75th annual Feast of the Ramson set for April 20, 2013 — ramson is the Old English name for ramps.
Two thousand pounds of the spring green are sautéed in bacon grease and dished up with ham, cornbread and brown beans (pictured), alongside (what else?) sassafras tea at the dinner — you can get tickets in advance or at the door (information is here).
Ramps aficionados compete each year in the recipe contest.
Here’s a video from last year’s event:
(Photo and video courtesy of Feast of the Ramson)
