Wild garlic/Ramsons (Allium ursinum)

                                 Wild garlic

                                                                       (Matthews, 2023)

Wild garlic is a common sight in UK woodlands, found during late winter to the end of spring; and is also found in Asia and North America. Wild garlic is a bulbous perennial with long, but broad, oval-shaped, smooth-edged leaves. When in flower, the petals are white with 6 petals to a thin stalk. Ramsons has a pungent garlic/onion smell making it fairly easy to identify (imposters are mentioned further down in this blog). The flower, stalk, stem, and even the bulbs are edible... just bear in mind that when the bulb is removed the plant will not grow back. Harvesting wild garlic with a sharp knife, or scissors, and cutting it close to the ground is best.                                                      

The removal of wild bulbs is illegal due to the Wildlife and Country Act (1981). 

Ramsons leaf, the plant sadly wasn't in flower when spotted recently.

There are a few other plants that look extremely similar to the ramsons;  one being Lilly of the Valley, this however is toxic so if you don't get the garlic/onion smell, that is the telling sign. Another plant that I have even mistaken for ramsons is 'few-flowered leek' (Allium paradoxum). The few flowed leek is also in the Allium genus but is an invasive species from Asia. The plant is said to have a sweeter onion flavour and is also entirely edible. An image of the few flowered leek will be shown below, as you will see the flower appears similar to a snowdrop; but again the onion/garlic smell will be the telling sign.

Few flowered leek.

Allium ursinum has been used in herbal medicine since ancient times for a number of things; lowering blood pressure, cleaning blood vessels, gastrointestinal diseases, cardiovascular health, antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory, and common colds/flu. The list of benefits has only increased so it has a lot to live up to for sure. In some research papers observed, there are mentions of the plant having possible aid in cancer treatments.

A much-loved recipe featuring this plant appears to be wild garlic pesto, some links to some recipes are linked below:

https://www.linsfood.com/wild-garlic-pesto-recipe/

https://www.lazycatkitchen.com/vegan-wild-garlic-pesto/

https://hedgecombers.com/wild-garlic-pesto-recipe/

References:

C, Matthews. (2023). Wild garlic guide: where to find, how to cook it and recipe ideas. [online] Available at: https://www.countryfile.com/how-to/food-recipes/wild-garlic-guide-where-to-find-how-to-cook-it-and-recipe-ideas. [Accessed: 14 April 2023]