Allium ursinum, Wild Garlic, Ramsons

happythought

I'm looking for Allium ursinum, also known as Wild Garlic, Ramsons grown in North Dublin area. I know it's kinda out of season, but I need to find them! Thanks!

boneless

The only place I've seen it in the Dublin area in the past few months was at Lucan Demense. It was growing down by the Liffey as it flows past the sewage treatment plant.

A warning though if you pick it here; the area is overrun by rats so careful washing of the ramsons and your hands is essential in case of Weils Disease!!

I used to use ramsons a lot in salads; it has a lovely flavour and aroma!!

Good luck!!

Alun

Yeah, it's a bit out of season now, and the leaves can start to get a bit tough. You need to find shady, damp, but not completely wet, areas, usually down by the sides of woodland streams. I know a few areas where it grows down here in Wicklow but North Dublin is unknown territory for me, I'm afraid.

BTW, never knew it was called ramsons. I lived in Germany for a while, where it's known as Bärenlauch, or "Bear's garlic", which is where the "ursinum" comes from in the latin name (Ursus = bear). They use it in salads there too, but it's also great stuffed into a nice trout, wrapped in foil and cooked in the oven or on the barbecue. Also saw Wild Garlic Naan breads on the specials menu at the Indian takeaway I use in Greystones.

happythought

It's great to know we have wild garlic here in Dublin!
The Weils Disease...:eek: I think I need to find some woodland here...

You're right! They are yummy in salad:)

happythought

Oh, you made me droooooooool:p
I love Wild Garlic so much that I can eat everyday!
When the leaves get tougher, you can still cook with them.
They make delicious in quiche and pesto!!