Ramps

Ramps may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.

Ramps are a rare treat that are mainly foraged in the upland woods of Canada, Appalachia, and the northern regions of the United States. To ensure that ramps continue to thrive, responsible harvesters cut only the leaves, letting the bulb stay intact in the ground to grow again another year. Ramps are an allium—a plant family that includes onions, leeks, shallots, and garlic. In fact, to some, they are “wild leeks” or “wild garlic” instead of “ramps,” which is the Appalachian name for the plant. Ramps are an important part of Cherokee cooking, valued both for their medicinal properties and flavor.

Yes. Ramps likely have a nutritional profile similar to other allium plants (leeks, chives, and scallions), though the data on their specific nutrient content is lacking. Wild ramps contain vitamin A and folate, nutrients that support your baby’s vision and healthy development. Ramps also take up minerals from the soil in which they grow, including iron. Ramps also contain fiber, which is great for digestion, and powerful phytonutrients that have antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiviral properties to help keep you and baby healthy.

No. Ramps, when chopped and incorporated into other foods, are not a common choking hazard, though in theory, an individual can choke on any food. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment, stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals, and check out our age-appropriate serving suggestions.

For more information on choking, visit our sections on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

No. Allergies to ramps are rare, though there is some evidence that allergies to plants in the onion family are increasing. Of note, some allergens in foods in this family are sensitive to heat, meaning that well-cooked ramps might be well-tolerated in an individual who is sensitive to raw ramps. Individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen fruit syndrome), and in particular, those with sensitivities to grass pollen or mugwort pollen (a weed) may also be sensitive to ramps. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction.

As you would when introducing any new food, start by serving a small quantity for the first couple of times. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future servings.