Known by your formal name of Ramson, you are part of the handsome Darcy family, and brother to the "Mr Darcy" in Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”.
The “4th brother” … walking on the wild side ... or so obscure manuscripts would have us believe.
You are of course more
commonly known as “wild garlic” and are a real seasonal favourite across the
UK. Your other posh name is Allium Ursinum, and in
addition to your brothers, you also have distant cousins called garlic, bears
garlic (cos they dig it up and rub it all over themselves to attract other
Bears for err ah you know what) … and chives. You do, however, prefer hanging out
in close proximity to your real love ... Bluebells, especially when you’re both at
your show off best above ground around now every year - especially with the dandelion wild hair. Unlike Bluebells though you are approached by foragers with serious
intent … as you are a delicious ingredient that adds a certain seasonal “je ne sais quoi” to each dish you inhabit.

Worried that you won’t be able to tell a ramson from the lookalike non family member Lilly of the Valley (which you should not eat) … easy just grab a bit of the beautiful plumage, crush it and smell … you’ll know …
5 comments:
Since I love garlic in almost everything, this is something I think I would enjoy. I've never eaten the leaves of this plant before. Sounds like something I should try.
Garlic's welcome in any meal. Well, except if you're a vampire.
Love garlic, love forget-me-not, love bluebells!The first photo is awesome.
Fascinating stuff as always, smashing picture of the bluebell wood...
Lovely green in the first image!
Post a Comment