The Wild Garlic Season in Zurich

In spring, the scent of wild garlic hangs in the air in the forests around Zurich. Find out here what to look out for when picking it yourself and where you can buy wild garlic products.

Where in Zurich can I pick wild garlic myself?

Many amateur cooks and professional gastronomes pick their supply of wild garlic themselves, for in Zurich you do not have to go far to find it. Whether jogging, walking the dog, or enjoying an excursion with all the family, all you need to do is follow your nose.

Caution!
Wild garlic closely resembles lily of the valley. Consequently we recommend that you gently tear a leaf or rub it between your fingers: if your hands then smell of garlic, you have found the right plant.

Locations

From March to May, wild garlic can be found in the following locations in Zurich:

Home-made garlic pesto:
(makes ca. 350g pesto)

  • 100g freshly picked wild garlic
  • 50–80g pine nuts
  • 60g grated Parmesan
  • 1–1.5 dl rapeseed or olive oil
  • salt & pepper
  • optional: lemon juice
Hiltl Cooking Studio, Zurich

To prepare:

Thoroughly wash the wild garlic, pat it dry with kitchen paper, then coarsely chop. Purée or grind with a pestle & mortar the pine nuts together with the Parmesan, oil and ½ tsp salt to make a paste. Season with pepper and add lemon juice to taste.

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