The Difference Between Wild Onion And Wild Garlic (And How To Tell Them Apart)
Did you know that there are several plants that go by the name “wild onion”?
Onion and garlic are two of the most common plants in the wild onion family.
While they may look similar, there are some key differences between these plants.
Keep reading to learn more about wild onion and wild garlic, and how to tell them apart.
What is special about wild onion?
If you’re like most people, you probably think of onions as a staple ingredient for cooking.
But did you know that there are actually multiple types of onions, each with its own set of unique features?
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at one particular type of onion – the wild onion – and explore some of its interesting characteristics.
Allium tricoccum (ramps), or wild onion, is a member of the Allium species, which also includes onions, shallots, leeks, and chives.
It is a perennial herb can be found in woods, fields and along roadsides throughout eastern North America.
What is more, the plants range in size from 6 to 18 inches tall and have long, oval-shaped leaves.
The flowers are white and blooming occurs from May to July.
Interestingly, both the leaf and root of the wild onion are edible.
It has a strong smell and a pungent taste.
When used as a spice, the entire plant has a strong garlic-like flavor.
They have a sharp taste that goes well in salads or as a garnish on soups.
Finally, the wild onion is high in vitamins A and C, and it is a good source of iron.
The plant is also used as a herbal remedy for stomach problems.
What is special about wild garlic?
If you’re out for a walk in the woods during springtime, you might come across a plant with long, slender leaves and small white flowers.
This is wild garlic, and it’s one of the many useful plants that can be found growing in the wild.
Read on to learn more about this fascinating ingredient.
Allium ursinum, or wild garlic, is native to Europe and North Africa, but can be found growing in the United States as well.
Unlike cultivated garlic, the bulbs of wild garlic are very small and can be eaten raw.
The leaves are also edible and have a strong garlicky flavor.
In addition, wild garlic flowers emit a garlic scent, which attracts bees and other pollinators.
It has a slight bitterness, which makes it a great addition to leafy salads or pesto.
Wild garlic can be used in place of regular garlic in almost any recipe.
Lastly, wild garlic can be used to make natural remedies for various health issues.
All in all, wild garlic is definitely worth checking out!
What are the differences between wild onion and wild garlic?
When it comes to wild onion and wild garlic, there are some notable differences in terms of flavors, usages or nutrient content.
Let’s take a closer look.
| Wild onion | Wild garlic | |
| Origin | native to eastern North America a type of lily | native to Europe and North Africa a member of the onion family |
| Shape and size | have a more compact bulb bigger flowers leaves are more round, long and cylindrical | bulbs are looser small flowers has pointed, wider and flattened leaves |
| Flavors | stronger smell than wild garlic | milder than wild onion |
| Usage | can be used in sweet and savory dishes used as garnish for soups and salads | only used in savory dishes has a more robust flavor that goes well with heavier foods |
| Nutrient content | is richer in vitamins A and C, more iron and calcium | has more vitamin B6, higher in potassium contains double the amount of fiber as compared to wild onion |
What are the similarities between wild onion and wild garlic?
When it comes to wild onions and wild garlic, there are actually quite a few similarities.
Both plants are members of the Allium genus and have very similar growing conditions.
They both produce slender green leaves and small white flowers and both their leaves and bulbs can be used in cooking.
Both herbs are notoriously difficult to cultivate, and they have a strong flavor that many people find appealing.
These plants can usually be found growing in open meadows, woods, and along roadsides.
Which one is better?
| Product Comparison | Wild Onion Ramsons Buckrams Wild Garlic Seeds for Planting Around 40... | Organic Garlic |
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So, if you’re trying to decide whether to use wild onion or wild garlic in your dish, it really comes down to personal preference.
Do you want a stronger flavor or a milder one?
Either way, you can’t go wrong with either of wild onion or wild garlic!
Of course, they both taste great so feel free to use whichever you prefer!
