Harvesting wild onions is a deliciously grounding way to reconnect with the Earth as she grows more fertile with each passing day of Spring. I recommend finding a patch of damp earth, dappled with sun and shade, and placing one palm flat on the ground as you gently coax each bulb from its subterranean resting place. The soft sound and gentle release as the roots succumb to the pull of your hand, moving from soil to sunlight, is marvelously wholesome and satisfying.
It is also a resplendent thing to have your fingers covered in wild dirt. I like to leave just a little bit of it on the bulbs rather than washing them too thoroughly. I am a strong believer that a little dirt is very good for you. If that sounds strange, I encourage you read more about that here.
Wild Onions bloom in Texas in late March, just after the Spring Equinox. They may bloom earlier or later near your home depending on the climate. The small white bulbs are sweetest before flowering but still very edible afterward as well. Additionally, the flowers make a beautiful and mild garnish for savory dishes.
What follows are a few of my favorite simple ways to make the most of Wild Onions and to use all parts of the plant. The flavorful white bulbs make an excellent addition or substitute for any dish in which you might use cultivated onions and are especially good with scrambled eggs. The above ground green parts can be used in place of chives or dehydrated and put away for later use as you’ll read below. The overall flavor profile of wild onions is distinctive and rich, the perfect umami addition to almost any fare…
