10% off next order when you Subscribe to our Newsletter

Ramson capers

By

Ramson or wild garlic capers take a bit of time to prepare, but the end result is a mouth watering crunchy treat, perfect with smoked or cooked fish, charcuterie, egg dishes and salads. Here is a simple recipe for making delicious homemade Ramson capers that will taste much nicer than the imported capers we are used too. And they have less airmiles too!

INGREDIENTS:

  • Ramson seed pods (Seed pods from Three-cornered leek work equally well)
  • Salt
  • White wine vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Sugar (optional)

Ratio of berries to salt is about 3:1, but it does not have to be exact. Pick as many pods as you think you are going to use, and heft the salt.

HOW TO MAKE RAMSON CAPERS:

After the ramson have flowered and the leaves started wilting or going yellow, carefully pick the seed pods. It is best to pick immature seed pods where the seeds have not matured fully.

Pick over the seed pods and remove any debris and the stalks then rinse and pat dry.

Place some of the Ramson seed pods in a container (with a tight fitting lid), put a layer of salt on top and keep layering until you have filled the container or used up all the ramson berries. Close the lid and place in the fridge for about three to four weeks. Shake the container every few days.

After 3-4 weeks, remove the berries from the container into a colander, drain the brine and rinse the berries.

Place the ramson berries in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid and pour in the vinegar. The vinegar should cover the berries completely. (If using sugar to sweeten, use 1-2 tablespoons per jar. Replace the lid and shake. The sugar will dissolve after a few days.)

Place somewhere dark. The ramson capers can be eaten straight away but the flavour will mature over time. The berries will be less salty if left for a few days or weeks to mature before eating.

Enjoy!

What are Ramsons

Ramsons are a member of the onion family (allium), and is also known as wild garlic and a myriad of other names. It is a native plant and grows wild in Ireland in woodland. Ramson flowers in March and April, sometimes even into May. Like many other members of the allium family, its flowers are much loved by bees. All parts of the plant are edible, and both young leaves picked from February onwards and the flower buds and stalks are wonderful spring delicacies. They can be used in Ramson pesto, Stir fried with butter and sea salt, in a noodle broth with foraged spring greens, fermented either on their own or added to kimchi, or made into a delicate light green herb-salt. Ramsons have a spreading habit and can become a nuisance in gardens so may be best enjoyed foraged from the wild.

Read about making your own delicious ramson pesto here

Hanna Bäckmo

Hanna Bäckmo is an award-winning beekeeper, entrepreneur, hobby gardener and internationally published writer. Originally from a small island in Sweden, she now lives in East Cork with her son, two dogs, a flock of rescue chickens and lots of bees. Hanna is the founder of Hanna’s Bees, producing a unique range of natural and sustainable honey, propolis, and beeswax products sold in Ireland’s leading Gift & Artisan food stores and select US outlets. With 70 colonies of Native Irish honeybees, she is a passionate bee-advocate and educator and is an Ambassador for the Native Irish Honeybee.
Posted in Foraged, Foraging, Recipes, Savory, Sustainable Living.
Share

3 replies to “Ramson capers”

  1. Pingback: Ramson Pesto - Hanna's Bees

  2. Pingback: Food to Forage in April - Hanna's Bees

  3. Pingback: Three Cornered Leek - An Invasive Delicacy Loved by Bees - Hanna's Bees

Leave a Reply

Related Posts

  •
    July 14, 2023

    Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

    Indulge your taste buds with the irresistible flavors of this delectable Honey Garlic Chicken recipe. Tender, juicy boneless chicken breasts are marinated in a delightful blend of minced garlic, sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and a touch of olive oil. The chicken is then seared to perfection and baked in the oven, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a mouthwatering dish. Serve it alongside fluffy boiled rice, stir-fried greens, and a refreshing salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

  •
    February 5, 2024

    Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

    Here is a fun and easy recipe that’s perfect for both weekday dinners and weekend gatherings. This Honey Mustard Chicken is a nourishing, healthy, and surprisingly easy dish that your family will love. It’s packed with the goodness of honey and Dijon mustard, making it a nutritious choice for health-conscious families.

Basket Close
Updating…
  • No products in the basket.

Continue shopping