Specialty Food Systems
Many of the products we deliver are born and harvested in the wild.
Developed Markets
You might be surprised to learn the origin of Chicago’s name. The name “Chicago” is derived from a French rendering of the Native American word shikaakwa, Translated means: “Land of stinky onions” known to botanists as Allium tricoccum or better known as the wild ramp.
The wild ramp is native to the forests of eastern North America, the ramp emerges with the warming temperatures of early spring, its vibrantly green shoot quickly growing into a broad leaf supported by a crimson stalk, with a bulb just below the ground’s surface that can grow larger than a thumb. The strong, garlicky aroma is ever-present during the ramp’s short season – typically only six weeks – and is but a hint of its flavor, which is most often described as an intensely spicy mixture of green onion and garlic. The remarkable presentation, extreme seasonality, and powerful, versatile flavor set chefs to adjusting their menus and those in the know scouring farmers markets for their batch of ramps every year
“Our ramps are harvested from carefully selected and intensely managed private properties using methods designed specifically to promote the long-term abundance of this delectable-yet-delicate crop.”
Harvesting
Our products grow in difficult terrain where no automation can assist in harvesting the crop. Much of what we deliver is foraged or hand picked by one of our harvest team.
Sustainability
Our practice of crop rotation and select harvesting allows us to manage large parcels of land without endangering the local ecosystem where we harvest. Technology is used to help analyze the areas we manage. Minimal disturbance to the environment and crop is our focus.
Processing
After being foraged, all of our harvest will make its way to the American Delicacy farm in Charlotte, Michigan. At our processing plant we wash and review all of the harvested product and sort it for distribution.
Our wild ramps are typically on a truck or plane within 24 hours of picking and at a retail grocery store or restaurant shortly thereafter.
Distribution
We have commitments with our distributors and wholesalers to get our products into your hands. If you are a distributor or purveyor looking to offer high-end delicacies to your restaurants or grocery stores, please get in touch; we would love to talk about potential opportunities
Interested in wild ramps, leeks, morels, or other organic delicacies?
Distributors, wholesalers, and restaurants: we would be happy to discuss the best way to get access to our products!