How to Find, Harvest, & Store Wild Leeks

It’s near the end of April, which means we’re heading into peak leek season! Sometimes referred to as wild ramps, this vegetable can be harvested each year in early spring, from usually the middle/end of April to the end of May. Now that they’re ready to harvest, today I went leeking (yes, it’s a verb in our family) with my mom and cousin!

All About Wild Leeks

Wild leeks are perennial plants belonging to the onion family. Their formal name is allium tricoccum, and they’re known as ramp plants in some parts of the country. The leek is a native plant found throughout eastern North America in moist soils in deciduous forests. After the long winter, they’re often the first plants you’ll see on the forest floor in spring. Their leaves die off in the heat of summer, and just the flowers remain.

They have a pungent smell and a flavor that’s a cross between onion and garlic. The bulbs are small, white, and rectangular like a scallion. The leek or ramp leaves are bright green and an inch or two thick, and grow to about four or six inches high when at their ideal picking stage. The leaves, bulb, and stem are all edible and have a distinct leek flavor, which is strongest in the bulb.

Unfortunately, wild leeks are so loved in some parts of the country that they’re overharvested and dying out. We’re blessed with a happy population, but it’s important to harvest carefully to protect them for future years.

Part of the reason for their shortage, it seems, is what a long time it takes them to propagate: it can take 5-7 years for their full life cycle! The leek seed remains dormant for two years before emerging, and then it’s typically 2-3 years before they’re ready to harvest.

How to Find Wild Leeks

To start, you’ll have to look for a shady area in your woods, especially near a stream. As long as they’re mature enough to pick, you’ll see the leeks’ bright green leaves growing up through the leaf litter. 

Be careful if you’re new to harvesting wild leeks or are searching a new area – there are many poisonous plants that look similar to leeks, such as Indian Poke and Lily of the Valley. A giveaway is the appearance and smell. Only a leek will smell like an onion. Take an identification guide or experienced leek finder along with you to help if you’re at all concerned.

Don’t go overkill picking them once you find a patch. You don’t need more than a couple of handfuls for a delicious meal or two, and you should always leave plenty behind so they can continue to prosper. 

We have our own patch of them in our woods, so we never have to go far. That said, if you don’t own woodlands, you can always ask a friend or family member with some if you can harvest a few of their leeks. Don’t trespass on private property or go leeking on state or public land. If you don’t know anyone personally with wild leeks on their property, you can try a local farmer’s market in season, which often sells them. 

How to Harvest Wild Leeks

There are three common ways to harvest wild leeks. Here they are, starting with the most sustainable harvest method:

1. Cutting just a single leaf. This leaves the bulb intact and doesn’t kill the plant. It’s also much less work! Each plant consists of a bulb and typically two or three leaves. By taking just one leaf, the bulb and remaining leaf can continue their life cycle. This is the ideal and most sustainable way to harvest, especially if you have a failing or overharvested leek patch. 

2. Cutting the bulb with a knife. Using a sharp knife, cut the bulb underground at an angle, leaving part of the bulb and all of the roots intact. This allows you to take the leaves and part of the bulb while leaving the remainder to grow back next year.

3. Digging the whole plant. If you have a truly prosperous patch, you can use this method, but it isn’t as sustainable as the other options. Take a shovel along, and dig deep, making sure to get a good hold on the leeks before pulling them out. Only attempt this if you have a very large patch and use only small amounts each year. 

How to Store Leeks

Never pick too many leeks at a time – they have a short shelf life and spoil quickly. It’s best to use wild leeks fresh, but you can keep unwashed ones in the refrigerator for a day or two. Unless you’re really into them, a couple of handfuls are more than enough to use in that time. 

To store them longterm, you can freeze, vacuum seal, or pickle them.

How to Clean and Cut Leaks

My grandmother recommended soaking them in cold water and washing them well, since dirt gets stuck between the rings and leaves. Scrub them gently to get as much dirt off as possible, and peel back the papery sheath around the base of the bulb and discard it. It’s generally a little sticky, but should slide right off, taking most of the dirt with it. You’ll be left with a pure white bulb. Cut the roots off the very bottom of the bulb.

To cut them, I like to cut the bulb into 2-4 pieces, then chop all the way up through the pink stem. Chop the leaves in several strips lengthwise, then chop them up as well.

How to Store Leeks in the Freezer

To store your leeks in the freezer, clean them thoroughly. You can chop them up and cook them in water or butter, then freeze them in freezer bags or containers. You can also cut or leave them whole and freeze without cooking them first. The only requirement is that they’re cleaned.

How to Use Them

Leeks can be eaten raw or cooked into other dishes. Our family cookbook recounts older family members eating the leaves raw on buttered bread back in the ’40s and ’50s. I’ve never tried it, and I’m not sure I’d want to.

In cooking, leeks can be diced and used like onions or garlic, but in smaller quantities since they’re so strong. It’s most common to cook them into other dishes. My favorite way to eat them is in my grandmother’s Wild Leek and Potato Soup!

FAQs About Finding and Harvesting Wild Leeks

How do you know when wild leeks are ready to harvest?

You’ll know wild leeks are ready for harvesting by looking at the leaves. The best time to harvest them is when they’re 4-6 inches tall.

What part of the wild leek do you eat?

You can eat all parts of wild leeks except for the roots at the bottom of the bulbs. Otherwise, the entire plant is fair game. 

How do you process wild leeks?

To process wild leeks for use, start by thoroughly cleaning them. Rinse them off, remove the papery outer layer around the bulb that has dirt in it, and cut off the very bottom of the bulb where the roots are. You can then proceed with cutting or storing as you like.

Can you eat wild leeks raw?

Yes, you can eat wild leeks raw. Just make sure you wash them first.

When should you not eat leeks?

Due to their potency, you shouldn’t eat wild leeks when you have an important social gathering or expect to work in close quarters with others – they can leave you with bad breath for a few days. For example, if you don’t work weekends, it’s generally best to eat them on Friday night so your breath is better by Monday.

What happens if you leave leeks in the ground?

Wild leeks that are left in the ground after you’ve harvested – and there should always be plenty left behind – will regrow into next year’s crop. 

What is the best way to preserve wild leeks?

Freezing is the easiest way to preserve wild leeks.

Why do you soak leeks in water?

Soaking wild leeks in cold water is a good way to remove the dirt that’s stuck between the rings and leaves.

How long do wild leeks last?

During the growing season, wild leeks can be harvested during an approximately one-month-long window.

Why not to harvest ramps?

You may not want to harvest ramp bulbs if your ramp patches are overharvested or otherwise not thriving. If this is the case, you may still be able to enjoy the ramp patch – just take a leaf from each plant, and you won’t do too much damage.

How do you preserve wild leeks?

You can preserve wild leeks by freezing them in freezer-safe plastic bags, vacuum sealing, or pickling. 

Can you freeze leeks?

Yes, you can freeze leeks. You can cook them first or freeze them as they are after cleaning.

Can you freeze leeks whole?

Yes, you can freeze leeks whole if you want. You’ll have to use them for cooking, though, especially the leaves, because the texture won’t be the same once they come out of the freezer.

Enjoy Your Leeks!

These wild plants are fun to harvest and use. It’s somewhat different than regular gardening, since you actually have to forage a little bit for them! It’s a great activity to do with children, friends, or family members during a time of year that’s usually a little slow. 

Looking for a great recipe that uses wild leeks? Check out our family recipe for potato leek soup with bacon!