Wild spring garlic

Gipsy Spread and I went down to the woods today being sure of a big surprise. We were off to harvest this year's seasonal supply of wild garlic. It grows in reckless abandon in the woods behind Mother in law Spread's house and it also sells for ridiculous prices at Borough market which I am not going to pay.


You can spot, if not smell the wild garlic, also known as 'bear's garlic', 'stinking Jenny' and perhaps more aptly for this blogger 'gypsy's onions' close to or amongst blubells. It has broad leaves with small white flowers. When picked and smelt it is reminiscent of garlic and has a pungent peppery flavour.


If you want to try and find it, make sure to pick and crush a leaf to check for the old familiar smell of garlic. It usually grows between April and June, however the young leaves which are currently available before flowering are the best.

It is delicious raw in salad, simply wilted and also made up in pesto or in a fresh crisp frittata with sweet fresh peas and goats cheese!