Pesto Recipe
With Spring arriving, the first signs of Wild Garlic are peeking through the soil. That means it’s almost time to make my favorite Wild Garlic Pesto! This easy, fresh, and flavorful recipe is a staple in our kitchen—and even my children love it. If you enjoy foraging and seasonal cooking, this is a must-try!"
2. What is Wild Garlic?
Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum), also known as Ramsons, is a fragrant, edible plant that grows in damp woodlands and shaded areas across Europe and the UK. With its vibrant green leaves and delicate white flowers, it’s one of the first signs of spring and a favorite among foragers. Its mild, garlicky flavor makes it perfect for pesto, soups, and salads.
Where and When Does Wild Garlic Grow?
Wild Garlic thrives in moist, shaded woodlands, riverbanks, and hedgerows. It typically appears between February and May, forming lush green carpets before trees fully leaf out. Look for it in damp, nutrient-rich soil, often near bluebells and ferns.
How to Identify Wild Garlic Safely
To ensure you're picking Wild Garlic and not a toxic lookalike, follow these key identification tips:
✅ Leaves – Broad, smooth, and pointed, growing in clusters directly from the base.
✅ Aroma – Crush a leaf between your fingers—it should release a strong garlic scent.
✅ Flowers – Small, white, star-shaped flowers bloom in late spring.
✅ Avoid Confusion – Watch out for Lily of the Valley, which looks similar but is highly toxic. Unlike Wild Garlic, it has no garlic smell and grows in pairs along the stem rather than from the base.
Sustainable Foraging Tips
Foraging is a wonderful way to connect with nature, but it’s important to do so responsibly:
🌱 Harvest Sparingly – Take only what you need and leave plenty behind for wildlife and regrowth.
✂️ Use Scissors – Cut leaves rather than pulling them up by the roots to allow the plant to continue growing.
📜 Check Local Guidelines – Some areas have restrictions on foraging, so be sure to follow local regulations.
By foraging responsibly, you can enjoy Wild Garlic year after year while protecting the natural ecosystem.
3. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in 5 minutes!
✔️ Vibrant & Fresh – A perfect way to enjoy Spring’s flavors.
✔️ Versatile – Use it for pasta, sandwiches, or dips.
✔️ Naturally Vegan – No dairy needed (but can be adapted).
Wild Garlic Pesto Recipe
150g Wild Garlic Leaves and wild foraged Nettle
50 g Parmesan, grated (optional
1 garlic clove
50g Pine Nuts
1/2 lemon Zested
150ml Rapeseed oil
Lightly Toast Pine Nuts, Blitz leaves, parmesan, garlic, lemon zest and pine nuts to a rough paste in a food processor, season and add most of the oil, add a squeeze of lemon.
Taste season and transfer to a jar, top with oil
4. How to Use Wild Garlic Pesto
Toss it with pasta 🍝
Spread it on toast or sandwiches 🥪
Swirl it into soups 🍲
Use as a dip for veggies 🥕
6. Storage & Freezing Tips
Store in the fridge for up to a week.
Freeze in ice cube trays for long-term use.
Have you tried Wild Garlic Pesto… How do you use it? leave a message in the comments
Do you love cooking like me? why not try my recipe for Cinnamon Rolls? you can find it here
