Rambling for ramsons: Discover the health and wellbeing benefits of foraging for wild garlic
Connect yourself with nature and the nutritional benefits of wild garlic, a seasonal Spring treat
Introduction
Growing up in Devon, wild garlic — affectionately known locally as ‘ramsons’ — was a herald of spring. Foraging for these pungent, emerald-green leaves has long been a rural tradition, intertwining folklore, family recipes, and a sense of deep connection to the land. But beyond its nostalgic charm, wild garlic (Allium ursinum) offers a treasure trove of health benefits that reach every system of the body.
Foraging for wellbeing: A joyful connection to nature
Foraging is more than gathering a free meal — it’s an invitation to step into nature. The sight of dense green carpets of wild garlic in woodland glens or by a riverbank is a marker of the season's renewal. Engaging your senses as you forage — the crunch of leaves underfoot, the fresh, oniony aroma, the cool dampness of woodland air — offers a mindful, grounding experience. Research has shown that spending time in green spaces can lower stress, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall mood.
Nutritional nuggets: What’s inside wild garlic?
Wild garlic is nutrient-dense. Rich in vitamins A and C, it can support immune function and skin health while providing essential minerals like calcium and iron. These potent greens also contain sulphur compounds, particularly allicin, which not only lend their distinct garlicky scent but also deliver a wide range of health benefits. Historically, garlic of all kinds has been used as a cleansing tonic, believed to purify the blood and support detoxification.
Aiding digestion
In folklore, it was said that a tea brewed from garlic could soothe an upset stomach — and there’s some wisdom in that! Wild garlic’s natural antimicrobial properties help balance gut bacteria, potentially reducing bloating and discomfort. Modern studies suggest that all garlic has prebiotic properties, nourishing beneficial gut bacteria and supporting digestion.
Strengthening immunity
Garlic’s reputation for keeping illness at bay isn't just a myth. High in vitamin C and packed with allicin, it helps to strengthen the immune system and fend off pathogens. There’s an old wives' tale that hanging garlic by your door could protect a household from disease — a practice rooted in its potent antimicrobial qualities. I have a little Scottish heritage, and hanging some up by a door, or even a tent opening is a natural way to help keep pesky midges at bay (providing you don’t mind the smell, of course!).
Boosting metabolic health
Whether or not garlic can guard against vampires as legend suggests, it can certainly help protect your heart. Allicin has been shown to support the regulation of cholesterol and blood pressure. Incorporating wild garlic into your diet alongside other beneficial nutrition and lifestyle strategies, may help reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome.
Supporting brain health
Garlic has long been thought to sharpen the mind — a belief backed by modern science. The antioxidant properties of wild garlic combat oxidative stress, which is linked to cognitive decline. Eating something as simple and tasty as wild garlic to support cognitive function and reduce the risk of age-related neurodegenerative conditions? - I’m all in!
Culinary delights: Embracing wild garlic
Incorporating wild garlic into your culinary repertoire not only adds vibrant flavour but also connects you to a natural, nutritional bounty. Wild garlic has been a staple in rural kitchens for generations. Its leaves add a punch to simple scrambled eggs or omelettes, salads, pesto and soups, while the delicate flowers make beautiful, edible garnishes, with attitude!
Here are some simple recipe ideas inspired by local Devonian foraging traditions:
Wild garlic and nettle soup: Combine fresh wild garlic and young nettle leaves with potatoes and vegetable stock to create a nourishing and earthy soup, reminiscent of traditional foraged dishes.
Ramsons pesto: Blend wild garlic leaves with toasted hazelnuts, olive oil, lemon juice, and a good, local hard cheese (try your own local favourite, or use Parmesan or a vegetarian equivalent) to craft a zesty pesto, perfect for adding to a Spring vegetable pasta or soup, or spreading on sourdough toast. You can leave out the cheese if you are 100% plant-based.
Wild garlic scones or soda bread: Incorporate chopped wild garlic into a wholemeal cheese scone or soda bread dough for a fragrant twist, ideal for accompanying soups and stews.
Ramsons butter: A simple but flavour-packed spread for slathering on fresh bread. Mix softened butter with finely chopped wild garlic, a touch of sea salt, and lemon zest. This aromatic butter also pairs wonderfully with grilled seafood or simply melted over new potatoes or other seasonal vegetables; it can also be frozen to add flavour all year round.
I’ll be adding some full, delicious wild garlic recipes to my recipe page shortly, so look out for them, or to make it easier, join my community updates to get the latest.
Foraging tips: Gather with care
When foraging for wild garlic, it's essential to do so responsibly; we want future generations to be able to carry on the tradition:
Identification: Ensure correct identification of wild garlic by its broad, lance-shaped leaves and distinctive garlicky aroma. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar-looking plants like lily-of-the-valley or lords and ladies, both of which grow around the same areas, and are toxic (although neither smells like wild garlic, so that’s your biggest differential). If you are at all unsure of what you are foraging for, wild garlic or anything else, go with someone who does.
When to pick for the best flavour: Wild garlic can appear from March to May, depending on weather and geography. It’s really at its best before the bulk of the flowers start to appear, so an early harvest is recommended. It’s still perfectly usable once in flower, as indeed are the flowers themselves, but the texture and taste of the leaves can be a little tougher and harsher.
Sustainable harvesting: Gather leaves sparingly from each patch to allow the plants to continue thriving and to support the local ecosystem. Always leave the roots and some leaves on each plant.
Legal considerations: Always seek permission when foraging on private land and adhere to local guidelines to ensure that your foraging practices are both legal and ethical.
Dogs and other friends: My beloved hound (sadly now departed) never took kindly to me pootling about amongst the leaves - he hated any vegetable! Stopping a good stomp for too long always ensured a staunch stare and some moaning, followed by a flollop (I know that’s not a real word, but it’s descriptively accurate!) onto the garlic for a nap in resigned disgust! They also have a tendency to leave their mark, so it’s best to avoid well-known dog-walking haunts, and always wash leaves well before use, in case a Gruffalo or wilder creatures have passed by.
Final thoughts
Foraging for wild garlic offers more than just culinary rewards; it's an act of connection to our ancestors, an opportunity to engage with nature, embrace tradition and enrich your wellbeing. Whether it's a leisurely walk through ancient, beautiful woodlands, the thrill of discovering a lush patch of ramsons, or the joy of preparing and sharing a meal infused with beneficial nutrients and flavour, wild garlic serves as a bridge connecting us to the land and the rich tapestry of life. I’ll see you in the woods!
It’s tough to make and sustain change alone. Having me in your corner can make it simple, doable, and most of all, enjoyable. Contact me if you’d like some support.
References
Bajalan, I., Pirbalouti, A.G. and Mirzaei, H., 2014. 'Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of different parts of Allium ursinum L.', Journal of Herbal Medicine, 4(3), pp. 119-124.
Błaszczyk, A., Skulimowska, A., Krajewska, U., Kaczmarek, P. and Szostak, W.B., 2024. 'The antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor properties of Allium ursinum and its bioactive compounds: A comprehensive review', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(23), p. 12799.
Gaither, C.J., Poudyal, N.C., Malone, S., Hagan, D.L. and Young, T.M., 2020. 'Who goes foraging in Bristol, UK, and why? A qualitative investigation into foragers' motivations and practices', Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 16(1), p. 65.
Letchamo, W., Gosselin, A. and Gaudreau, L., 1995. 'Variations in essential oil quantity and composition during leaf ontogeny of Allium ursinum L.', Journal of Essential Oil Research, 7(6), pp. 657-664.
Pérez-Bonilla, M., Salido, S., van Beek, T.A., Linares-Palomino, P.J., Altarejos, J., Nogueras, M. and Sánchez, A., 2006. 'Isolation and identification of radical scavengers in Allium ursinum', Phytochemistry, 67(6), pp. 534-540.
Sobolewska, D., Podolak, I. and Makowska-Wąs, J., 2015. 'Allium ursinum: botanical, phytochemical and pharmacological overview', Phytochemical Reviews, 14(1), pp. 81-97
Twohig-Bennett, C., Jones, A. 2018. ‘The health benefits of the great outdoors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of greenspace exposure and health outcomes’, Environmental Research, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2018.06.030.