Wild garlic
Helpful Tools
Wild garlic (Allium ursinum) grows in woodland, in near or among bluebells, and is identifiable by its garlic-like smell and long lush leaves, which are similar in appearance to those of Lily of the Valley. It grows from late winter and throughout spring. Towards the end of the season it bursts into bloom with white flowers.
Foraging for wild garlic in woodland is fairly straight forward, found in semi-shaded, moist conditions. If you're unsure of what you've found is the real thing then its smell is the ultimate clarification. Although found commonly around woodland and river banks, wild garlic is easy to cultivate in most soils.
In the kitchen
Unlike domestic garlic, wild garlic is championed for its leaves rather than its bulb. The bulbs, along with the flowers, are edible, but are much smaller in quantity. Wild garlic has a very similar taste to domestic garlic, yet slightly milder. The leaves are delicious raw or cooked and work well in salads and soups.
A note on foraging
Please forage responsibly; do not pick from nature reserves, pick senstively in the wider countryside so as not to trample other species and do not uproot unless you have the landowner's permission.
In the kitchen
Unlike domestic garlic, wild garlic is championed for its leaves rather than its bulb. The bulbs, along with the flowers, are edible, but are much smaller in quantity. Wild garlic has a very similar taste to domestic garlic, yet slightly milder. The leaves are delicious raw or cooked and work well in salads and soups.
A note on foraging
Please forage responsibly; do not pick from nature reserves, pick senstively in the wider countryside so as not to trample other species and do not uproot unless you have the landowner's permission.
Related recipes
Wild garlic soup
By Clodagh McKenna on Market Kitchen
Make the most of this season’s produce with Clodagh McKenna’s hearty soup recipe, served with a wild garlic pesto
By Clodagh McKenna on Market Kitchen
Make the most of this season’s produce with Clodagh McKenna’s hearty soup recipe, served with a wild garlic pesto
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Total time
30 min
Grilled lamb with asparagus and wild garlic
By Michael Caines on Market Kitchen
Nothing speaks of spring better than pungent wild herbs, asparagus and the sweetest of lamb in Michael Caines' recipe
By Michael Caines on Market Kitchen
Nothing speaks of spring better than pungent wild herbs, asparagus and the sweetest of lamb in Michael Caines' recipe
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Total time
50 min
Potato, wild garlic and shallot casserole with dumplings
By Tristan Welch on Market Kitchen
Tristan Welch’s vegetarian casserole with cheesy dumplings makes a comforting yet special springtime supper
By Tristan Welch on Market Kitchen
Tristan Welch’s vegetarian casserole with cheesy dumplings makes a comforting yet special springtime supper
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Total time
1 hr 10 min
Salmon and wild garlic
By James Martin on James Martin Delicious
James Martin's recipe for salmon fillets served in a rich, garlic-flavoured sauce with spring onion mash makes a stunning dish
By James Martin on James Martin Delicious
James Martin's recipe for salmon fillets served in a rich, garlic-flavoured sauce with spring onion mash makes a stunning dish
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Total time
50 min
Lamb fillet with lentils, chorizo and wild garlic dressing
By Merrilees Parker on Market Kitchen
Merrilees Parker combines warm lentil salad with meltingly tender lamb and creamy wild garlic sauce for her Spanish inspired dish
By Merrilees Parker on Market Kitchen
Merrilees Parker combines warm lentil salad with meltingly tender lamb and creamy wild garlic sauce for her Spanish inspired dish
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Total time
45 min
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