Wild Garlic

Wild garlic

Wild garlic is a herb plant, also known as wild garlic, which is not cultivated. The edible part of the herb is its oblong, dark green leaves, which have a garlic-like flavor. This fine aroma makes wild garlic versatile in the kitchen. The advantage compared to garlic is that you don’t smell so strongly of garlic after eating it.

Worth knowing about wild garlic

Wild garlic is native to northern, eastern, western and central Europe and parts of Asia. Since the plant prefers shady, humus-rich locations, wild garlic is mainly found in deciduous and alluvial forests.

Depending on the weather, the wild garlic season starts in early to mid-March. April is the main harvest time for the aromatic leaves and in May the season ends with the flowering period of the plant, as the leaves lose their aroma significantly after flowering begins.

It’s in wild garlic

Not only does its taste make wild garlic interesting for your diet – the nutrient content of the wild herb is also impressive. Raw wild garlic contains manganese as well as iron and potassium. The plant is also rich in vitamin C and vitamin A, which, among other things, contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system. As you can see, these delicate leaves are real powerhouses.

Shopping and cooking tips for wild garlic

You can get fresh wild garlic in the supermarket during its season. You can also collect wild garlic yourself. But: Since the herb can easily be confused with the poisonous lily of the valley and autumn crocus, buying it in a shop or cultivating it yourself is preferable when in doubt. Wild garlic is also protected and may not be removed from its location or destroyed.

For full enjoyment, be sure to use only flawless, fresh and crisp-looking leaves. When it comes to storage, the following applies: Process the plant as quickly as possible, as the leaves will wither after just two days in the refrigerator. To store, wrap the herb in a damp cloth.

Wild garlic can be used in many ways in the kitchen – as our colorful collection of delicious wild garlic recipes proves. Whether gnocchi, herb quark, wild garlic ravioli or a wild herb salad: the culinary uses of wild garlic are as limitless as they are delicious.

Conjure up aromatic wild garlic salt from the tender leaves to sprinkle on grilled food or to refine spreads. All you need is a handful of ingredients and ten minutes of your time. We recommend a steaming bowl of wild garlic soup with cream cheese and tomatoes, and not just for cold days. With this recipe you can also serve a visually attractive appetizer for a festive menu.