There's an event taking place fit for a King and Queen. Like the front row of trombones in a marching band blaring the oncoming joyous spirit of some important event, the wild leeks are announcing the arrival of spring in the mountains.

Mountain folk have honored these savory plants, which they call ramps, for many years and celebrate the occasion of their emergence with eagerly awaited festivals, like the Ramp Festival held annually in Elkins, WV.

This pungent vernal greenery is our spring tonic. Modern science support this folk tradition. Ramps (Alliums) are a good source of Vitamin C as well as Prostaglandin A1, a fatty acid therapeutic in the treatment of hypertension.