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Ramps, those mountain-like onions, have gone from hick to hip. Numerous web sites refer to gourmet cooking with the ramp
and where they are available around the country, actually becoming pretty pricey.
Made famous in West Virginia in the town of Richwood, when the late editor Jim Comstock put ramp juice in the printing ink
of his paper "The West Virginia Hillbilly." At that time the paper went all over America, including a large readership in New
York City. The post office, needless to say, was not happy.
The Minnora Community Center will have the ramp spread this weekend, Sunday starting at 1 p.m.
Minnora is just north of the Big Otter Exchange off I-79, State Route 16.
In the mountains, ramps are among the first greens to stick its head above the snow. Old-timers have long claimed the
medicinal benefits of a good mess of ramps, after scouring the hillsides and digging the delicacy. For most West Virginians it
is a rite of spring.
Others wouldn't touch 'em with a 10-foot pole, concerned about bad breath - "I have to go to church tomorrow."
Around here ramps are generally served with fried potatoes, scrambled eggs, bacon, pinto beans and cornbread. Of course,
the sweets are an extra attraction.
Sunday will be your last local chance to dine out with the delicacy at Minnora Community Center. See you there!
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