There’s nothing better than walking in the forest on a spring day, when all the leaves are newly sprung, bright green, and delightfully crisp. Well – unless it’s taking a walk in Risskov when the wild garlic is in bloom!
I’ve spent most of my life either living near or spending time in the area where Risskov is located. Some years, I’ve even had the joy of living so close that each spring morning, I would wake up not just to the sound of birdsong from the forest, but also to the rich scent of wild garlic drifting in with the heavy morning mist from the forest floor of Risskov.
Risskov is a wonderful sanctuary in Aarhus, and every year I tell myself that, at the very least, I must experience the forest when the wild garlic is in bloom. Most years, I manage to do just that.
But what exactly is wild garlic, where does it grow, and when can you experience it?
What is wild garlic?
Wild garlic is a low-growing bulb plant with a strong scent and taste reminiscent of regular garlic. The aroma from the plants is quite intense – you simply can’t miss it when you’re nearby. Its flowers are white and star-shaped, held up by vibrant green spring stems. In Risskov, wild garlic covers the entire forest floor, and in spring, there are so many that in places they lie like a white carpet stretched out beneath the trees. Walking among such an abundance of wild garlic is a true fairytale experience you shouldn’t miss.
Wild garlic tends to spread over the years, which is why you’ll find such an extraordinary number of them in Risskov.
Where can you find wild garlic?
Wild garlic grows in many places across Denmark, but you’ll most easily find it in coastal deciduous forests, thickets, and groves. There are rumors that wild garlic was brought to Risskov by Spanish soldiers in 1808 and German soldiers in 1848, but that’s most likely just a myth – wild garlic has been growing wild in Denmark since the Neolithic period.
When does wild garlic bloom?
Wild garlic blooms from May to June, but the season for the leaves – the part most often used in cooking – starts as early as February or March.
Be sure to pick the leaves in dry weather, so they don’t become damp and start to mold or spoil before you get home. Ideally, collect them in a basket to avoid crushing them.
There are a few rules about how much you’re allowed to forage at a time:
In public forests, you’re free to pick wild garlic for personal use – roughly the amount that fits into a small shopping bag. However, if you’re in a private forest, you’re only allowed to pick what you can reach from the marked forest paths.
How can you use wild garlic in your cooking?
It’s the tender, green leaves of the wild garlic plant that taste best in food. The season runs from February to June, so be sure to head out early if you want to pick the very best the plant has to offer.
Wild garlic can be used as a substitute for garlic or chives. It’s packed with vitamin C – about ten times more than lemons – making it a great immune booster.
It’s mainly the leaves that are used in cooking. You can eat them raw, but the flavor can be quite sharp. Try finely chopping the leaves and sprinkling them over a tomato salad or adding them to egg dishes like scrambled eggs or an omelet.
You can also make pesto, herb butter, or aioli from the leaves, perfect as sides for a delicious spring brunch. Or try wild garlic leaves with baked potatoes or as a seasoning – such as wild garlic salt.
The flowers can be picked in May and June if you want to add a floral touch to your meals. Their flavor is milder than the leaves.
The bulbs can be harvested from September to February.
Important information about wild garlic
-
Wild garlic can be mistaken for lily of the valley or autumn crocus, both of which are highly poisonous – so be cautious. If you’re in doubt, it’s best to leave the plant alone.
-
You’re not allowed to dig up the plants in the forest. If you want to use the bulbs, you’ll need to grow wild garlic in your own garden.
-
Only eat wild garlic in small quantities.
Do I miss anything?
I’m no wild garlic expert, but I absolutely love it – and besides enjoying the sight of a beautiful bouquet of wild garlic, I also have some experience using the plant in cooking. But maybe I’m missing something? Or perhaps you have a great idea, tip, or story about wild garlic you’d like to share with me and our readers? We’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to leave a comment below the article.
Until then, I’ll look forward to spring’s arrival and to my next walk through the bright green spring wonderland, with white stars scattered across the ground.
Wishing you a joyful spring!
