Spring is here in Northern Michigan and forests throughout the region are filling with the oniony scent of wild leeks (also known as ramps). Here’s what you need to know about foraging this seasonal vegetable. 

Almost any wooded property will have wild leeks, and spotting them is easy: Just look for the first green foliage on the forest floor after the snow melts until late May or early June. Both the greens and bulbs are edible.

Leeks grow in clusters that originate from a single growing point under the ground. But don’t be greedy and dig up the whole cluster with a shovel. Pick two or three leeks farthest out on the cluster, reaching in with a finger to snap the individual leeks off horizontally rather than yanking them out of the ground. This method leaves the growing point intact to produce again next year.

Need to Know: Do not search for leeks on open dunes and open meadows. There is a poisonous plant called the Death Camas that resembles leeks and grows in those environments. A key thing to know: leeks smell like onions; death camas do not. Also note, leek foraging isn’t permitted in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

5 Easy, Sustainable Foraging Rules for Wild Leeks

  1. Wait until the plant is mature. Look for bright green, full leaves.
  2. Harvest from a location with a large population so you don’t deplete an area.
  3. Rather than digging up the entire leek, snap off the bulb just above its base, leaving the very bottom of the bulb, the roots and any rhizome material in the ground.
  4. Don’t harvest an entire clump. Instead, just take two or three.
  5. If you’re foraging on public land, be conscious of rules regarding what’s allowed to be removed from the land. Also, recognize that others may be harvesting in the same location. Take extra care to not overharvest the area.

Cleaning & Preparing Leeks

How to Clean Your Leeks

Cut off the root tip if there is one, pull off the dirtiest outer layers and wash.

How to Freeze Your Leeks

Slice and saute them in butter, pack in plastic bags and freeze. When you’re ready to use them, simply pull them out of the freezer and let the butter remelt in a skillet.

How to Dry Your Leeks

Chop cleaned leeks into half-inch lengths. Place them on cookie sheets and put them in the oven at 170 degrees for about six hours or until they are dry. Store in plastic bags or clean, dry jars. Best used in soups and stews.

Photo(s) by Todd Zawistowski