Ramsons

Wild garlic is an aromatic plant related to garlic, with a similar taste and smell, but particularly aromatic, and the entire plant is edible. The most commonly used parts are the leaves, which are about 10 cm long and bright green in colour, and can be eaten raw, dried or cooked. The small bulbs can also be eaten, the most popular way being pickled and eaten like capers. The bulbs have a less intense garlic taste. Wild garlic flowers are also edible, but are generally less popular.

What does wild garlic look like

Wild garlic is a small to medium-sized plant with fleshy leaves about 10 cm long and small white flowers.

How to eat wild garlic

The entire plant is edible. The leaves can be eaten raw in salads, dried as a spice or cooked in various soups, stews, purées or sauces (the best known being pesto sauce).

Several benefits are traditionally cited, as wild garlic has been consumed in Central Europe for thousands of years. New studies on cell groups and mice confirm many of these properties known for centuries. One of the best-known benefits of wild garlic is its support for the immune system. Wild garlic tincture has benefits in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and the onset of neoplasms.

Nutritional benefits of wild garlic per 100 grams

Wild garlic is a low-calorie food, with 61 calories per 100 grams. It contains 14.2 grams of carbohydrates, with a low glycaemic index (does not raise insulin levels too much) and 2 grams of fibre. It is rich in vitamin C (150 mg), calcium (75 mg), magnesium (22 grams), potassium (335 mg) and sulphur (61 mg). This rich nutritional value makes it suitable for any diet and eating style.

Wild garlic benefits for immunity

Similar to garlic (they belong to the same botanical family), wild garlic has antiseptic properties. Its high vitamin C content also boosts its effect on immunity, making it suitable for consumption during flu, for a faster recovery.

Cardiovascular benefits of wild garlic tincture

Thanks to its beneficial nutrients and phytonutrients, wild garlic has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing blood pressure and cholesterol, inhibiting platelet aggregation and increasing insulin sensitivity. In practice, it acts on the risk factors of metabolic syndrome, a syndrome that underlies cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Lesser celandine tincture antineoplastic benefits

Lesser celandine extract appears to inhibit the proliferation of malignant cells in the breast, lung and colon, having an antiproliferative and antioxidant effect.

As a plant, there are no specific contraindications for wild garlic. However, consuming it during breastfeeding may give milk an unpleasant taste, so it is not recommended during this period. People with gastric disorders should also consume it with caution.