As springtime peeks through the winter frost in western North Carolina, it signals the start of a much-anticipated culinary season – ramp season! Known for their fiery tang and garlic-esque taste, ramps are wild, seasonal treasures that burst onto the scene in a limited, annual cameo.
From roadside marketplaces in Haywood County like Owl Produce Market and Duckett’s Produce Stand to Presnell’s Produce and Christopher Farms, these garlicky goodies are for the taking. For an even fresher fare, head over to Historic Haywood Market and Milltown Farmer’s Market, and bask in unparalleled ramp freshness from our local farmers.
Area restaurants celebrate ramp season with zeal, featuring ramp-infused dishes that range from rustic to refined. The Chef’s Table prides itself on seasonally inspired menus, with ramps taking center stage this time of year. Thanks to time-honored preservation techniques, the ramp bacon jam burger can be found year-round at Southern Porch. Cataloochee Ranch’s Switchback restaurant brings innovative ramp dishes and cocktails to the table, with ramps hand-picked on property by Relais & Châteaux chef Jeb Aldrich and team—including the Forager Sbagliato, crafted with Chemist’s Forager Gin, Dolin Blanc Vermouth, and Prosecco, finished with a splash of pickled ramp brine and a lemon-cucumber twist dusted in house-made ramp salt. And at 828 Market, the Seasonal Ramp Dog features a Nathan’s all-beef hot dog topped with house-made ramp pimento cheese and bacon jam.
Marking over nine decades of tradition, the annual ramp festival hosted by the American Legion in Waynesville is a festivity unlike any other. Complete with a ramp eating contest and a coronation for the ramp king and queen. This event is held every year in early May.
Revel in the arrival of spring by celebrating a unique gastronomic tradition with the start of the ramp season, which typically lasts from late March until early May.
Don’t forget to capture your experiences and share them with us on Instagram or Facebook @VisitHaywood. We can’t wait to see your tasty adventures!
Featured Image: Cory Vaillancourt
