An Oregon State University professor thinks there might be cancer-fighting potential in a stinky Appalachian woods plant. Known as wild leeks or ramps, the plant tastes like pungent cabbage and smells stronger than garlic, said Philip Whanger, a professor of agricultural chemistry. But its putrid smell masks a promising talent.
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This wild forest plant grows between April and June in the moisture-laden mountains of Appalachia. It can be found at higher altitudes from northern Georgia into Canada. But before ramps can be recognized as a real cancer-fighting superhero vegetable, the plant must be grown in a laboratory setting and scientifically analyzed. Whanger and colleagues are experimenting with that. Under the best-case scenario, the research will produce some sort of palatable ramp product that people can eat to reduce their risk of certain virulent cancers.