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Leeks

Inventory, 12 ct : 44.46
This item was last sold on : 05/22/22

• 152 Featured Restaurants

• 65 Recipe Ideas

• 17 ShareMarket®

Description/Taste

Leeks grow straight up from the ground, the flat leaves growing up from a cylindrical, rounded bulb, overlapping each other in a concentric pattern. Many growers pile dirt around the nearly one-inch base bulb, to lengthen the white portion of the bulb by limiting sunlight and therefore chlorophyll production. Because of this practice, Leeks collect a lot of dirt between their leaves. The tops of the leaves, referred to as ‘flags,’ are dark green with a bluish tint, and tough. They fan out at the top of the stalk, like the fronds of a palm tree. The flat Leek leaves can grow up to nearly a meter in height, the bulb sitting shallow in the dirt, around 8 centimeters (3 to 4 inches) long. The edible part of the leaf stalk averages of 30 to 35 centimeters (13 inches) in height, up to 5 centimeters in diameter, and is a light green color. Leeks have a flavor that is milder than an onion, with a slight sweetness.

Seasons/Availability

Leeks are available year-round with a peak season in the fall and through the spring.

Current Facts

Leeks are large members of the Allium family related to garlic and onions, and are botanically classified as Allium ampeloprasum, and sometimes Allium porrum. They are biennial plants (requiring two growing seasons) but are typically grown and harvested as an annual. Leeks are known around the world as English Leeks, European Leeks, Kurrat Leek and Wild Leek. The Leek has been used for thousands of years for both culinary and medicinal purposes. They are often used as a herb or flavoring agent, but can also be served whole as a vegetable.

Nutritional Value

Leeks are a rich source of vitamins B6 and K, as well as iron, manganese and dietary fiber. Leeks are high in the nutrient folate, which is beneficial for women, especially during pregnancy. The highest concentration of folate can be found in the white parts of the Leek. Leeks also contain insulin and sulfur which help protect cells and reduce bad cholesterol respectively. Leeks contain prebiotics, which helps regulate healthy gut bacteria and helps digestion.

Applications

Leeks have been an important part of the cuisine in Europe and the British Isles for centuries. Leek is the main ingredient in two well-known soups: Scotland’s cock-a-leekie soup and France’s crème vichyssoise. From these well-regarded recipes, we know that Leeks pair well with lemon, cream, poultry and bacon. Leeks are also often found paired with cream and potatoes in the classic, potato Leek soup. Leeks can be eaten raw on salads or mixed into a chicken or tuna salad. Leeks are generally sautéed in oil or butter to soften or “sweat” before adding to pizzas, pastas, egg dishes, risotto, or served on their own as a side. Chopped Leeks are used in soups, stir-frys, or braised with carrots and celery. Leeks are also a popular tart or pastry filling. The darker, top section of the leaves is not eaten; this section of the leaf is usually discarded or kept for use in stocks. The very base of the bulb is cut off, just above the small fringe of roots. Cleaning is important, whether preparing Leeks whole or chopped. The easiest way to clean Leeks is to cut in half lengthwise and chop thinly. Put chopped Leeks in a bowl and rinse with fresh, cool water, changing out the water until no debris remains. Dry the Leeks well before preparing. To use the Leek whole, insert the tip of a knife just above the last leaf margin and cut straight through lengthwise, fanning the Leek open to expose the spaces between the layers. A second cut can be made crosswise, to expose more layers if necessary. To store, chopped Leeks can be blanched and frozen. Whole Leeks will store in the refrigerator for up to a week, wrapped well to keep the aroma at bay.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

In Cornwall, England, Leeks are paired with chicken inside a pocket of dough known as a “pasty.” Pasties are considered Cornwall’s “national” dish, and the chicken and Leek combination is a popular light filling also used in a variety of savory pastries and pies. A Leek is the national symbol of Wales, in the United Kingdom, and is worn by the people and by every soldier in the Welsh regiment on St. David’s Day celebrated annually on March 1st. The legend says that during the 6th century, St. David told his soldiers to wear a Leek on their helmets ahead of a successful battle against the invading Saxons. Wearing a Leek was considered a symbol of luck. Others believe the lore behind the Leek as the national emblem dates back to the early Druids who used the Leek as a cure for the common cold, as an antibacterial and diuretic, and for relief from the pains of childbirth. It is also an ingredient in the traditional Welsh broth, cawl. In 1984, British authorities featured a Leek on the reverse side of the British pound coin, which represented the Welsh part of the United Kingdom. It is represented on patches, posters and other items depicting Welsh pride as well.

Geography/History

Leeks are native to the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East and have been used for food and medicine for over 3,000 years. The ancient Egyptians first cultivated Leeks and ate them during great feasts. The Romans were believed to have brought Leeks to Europe and then to Britain. Today they are cultivated in many regions around the world with cool temperate climates, including North America, Asia, and from the British Isles through Europe and into northern China. In France, Leeks are readily available and inexpensive (and used much like green onion in the United States). There are many different varieties of Leeks; the Scottish, Giant Musselburgh, the French Otina, and Pancho are a few named varieties. The cultivars differ in seasonal availability and growth habit, some displaying more narrow stalks or wider leaves. Western European varieties are typical of the ones found in the United States, at most grocery stores and farmer’s markets. Bulgarian and Turkish varieties, with longer, thinner stalks are not typically found in the United States.

Featured Restaurants

Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.

Herb & Wood	San Diego CA	520-205-1288
Truluck's Seafood Steak and Crab House	San Diego CA	858-453-2583
Hive Sushi Lounge	San Diego CA	619-218-4000
Addison Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-350-7600
Storyhouse Spirits	San Diego CA	801-949-5955
Busy Bee Cook For Me	San Diego CA	858-405-5372
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest	San Diego CA	619-380-9840
Lodge at Torrey Pines Main	San Diego CA	858-453-4420
Tom Hams Light House	San Diego CA	619-291-9110
Shorehouse Kitchen Carlsbad	Carlsbad CA	858-663-9916
Huntress	San Diego CA	619-955-5750
Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC	San Marcos CA	508-320-6644
Tahona (Kitchen)	San Diego CA	619-573-0289
La Clochette Du Coin-Pacific Beach	San Diego CA	619-402-7911
La Costa Glen North	Carlsbad CA	760-704-1436
Mitch's Seafood	San Diego CA	619-316-7314
Fish 101	Encinitas CA	760-943-6221
Georges at the Cove	San Diego CA	858-454-4244
Harumama Noodles & Buns (Encinitas)	Encinitas CA	858-886-9909
RoVino Rotisserie + Wine	San Diego CA	619-972-6286

the other 132...

Morning Glory	San Diego CA	619-629-0302
AToN Center Inc.	Encinitas CA	858-759-5017
Full Moon	San Diego CA	619-233-3711
Barrel & Board	San Diego CA	619-379-2574
Peace Pies	San Diego CA	619-618-6960
Lauberge Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-259-1515
Pueblo	San Diego CA	858-490-6298
Cocina De Barrio	San Diego CA	760-840-1129
Black Raill Kitchen + Bar	Carlsbad CA	619-454-9182
Hash House A Go Go	San Diego CA	951-764-0605
Wonderland Ocean Pub	San Diego CA	619-255-3358
Kitchens For Good	San Diego CA	619-450-4040
Shakespeare's Corner Shoppe & Afternoon Tea	San Diego CA	619-683-2748
Harumama	San Diego CA	619-269-7122
InterContinental Banquet Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-501-9400
Miho	San Diego CA	619-365-5655
Oyster and Pearl Bar Restaurant	La Mesa CA	619-303-8118
Eddie V's Prime Seafood - EV# 8514	San Diego CA	619-615-0281
Catering By Felicia G.	San Diego CA	619-742-4747
Blue Ocean La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-999-4073
The Shores	La Jolla CA	858-459-8271
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club	San Diego CA	858-454-7126
Half Door Brewing	San Diego CA	619-655-7459
Jeune Et Jolie	Carlsbad CA	858-231-0862
Nolita Hall	San Diego CA	619-618-8820
Craft House Sky Deck	San Diego CA	619-948-4458
Bistro du Marche by Tapenade	La Jolla CA	858-551-7500
Common Stock	San Diego CA	805-638-8367
Rancho Valencia	Del Mar CA	858-756-1123
Chateau Lake San Marcos	San Marcos CA	760-670-5807
Semola	La Jolla CA	858-247-9670
The Crossings	Carlsbad CA	760-444-1800
Reata Glen	Ladera Ranch CA	949-545-2250
Harumama Teriyaki & Bao	Carlsbad CA	760-637-5737
Mission Pacific	Oceanside CA	760-450-7864
Madam Bonnies	San Diego CA	619-432-1383
Wine Vault & Bistro	San Diego CA	619-295-3939
Villa Capri Poway	Poway CA	858-391-9400
Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe 1	San Diego CA	858-405-2401
Parkhouse Eatery	San Diego CA	619-295-7275
Toast Catering	San Diego CA	858-208-9422
Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill	Vista CA	760-509-4424
Gravity Heights Restaurant and Brewery	San Diego CA	858-551-5105
Breakfast Company	San Diego CA	619-356-5444
Eddie V's La Jolla - EV# 8511	La Jolla CA	858-459-5500
US Grant Hotel Grill	San Diego CA	619-232-3121
Isola La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-412-5566
Pop Pie Co. (Kitchen)	San Diego CA	619-414-8495
The Wild Thyme Company	San Diego CA	858-527-0226
Little Frenchie	Coronado CA	619-522-6890
Solare Ristorante Lounge	San Diego CA	619-270-9670
C 2 C	San Diego CA	619-972-9345
Piatti	San Diego CA	858-454-1589
Mr A's	San Diego CA	619-239-1377
Wormwood	San Diego CA	619-573-0289
PFC Fitness Camp	Carlsbad CA	888-488-8936
La Costa Glen South	Carlsbad CA	760-704-1000
Isola Pizza Bar	San Diego CA	619-564-2938
Siamo Napoli	San Diego CA	619-300-4810
La Jolla Country Club	San Diego CA	858-454-9601
Starlite Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-358-9766
San Diego Yacht Club	San Diego CA	619-758-6334
Seasoned Seas	San Diego CA	92111
Boss Bird Kitchen	La Mesa CA	858-566-9191
Urban Kitchen Catering	San Diego CA	619-276-8803
Olivewood Gardens -Donation	National City CA	619-434-4281
Ballast Point Restaurant - Miramar	San Diego CA	858-790-6900
Lumi	San Diego CA	619-955-5750
Avant	San Diego CA	858-675-8505
Born & Raised	San Diego CA	619-944-1631
Pamplemousse Grill	Solana Beach CA	858-792-9090
Cow by Bear	San Diego CA	415-565-9989
Bekker's Catering	San Diego CA	619-287-9027
Fish 101 Cardiff	Cardiff CA	619-753-7139
Little Lion	San Diego CA	619-519-4079
Darshan Bakery (Del Mar)	Del Mar CA	858-925-7223
Coya Peruvian Secret	Del Mar CA	619-295-3172
The Field Irish Pub & Restaurant	San Diego CA	619-232-9840
Barbarella La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-454-7373
Carte Blanche Bistro & Bar	Oceanside CA	619-297-3100
Herb & Sea	Encinitas CA	858-587-6601
Farm Fresh Meals	San Diego CA	760-707-2383
Kingfisher	San Diego CA	619-861-8074
Brockton Villa Restaurant	San Diego CA	858-454-7393
Et Voilà! French Bistro	San Diego CA	858-610-8784
Cocina de Barrio Point Loma	San Diego CA	858-349-2313
The Lab Restaurant	Oceanside CA	619-861-8299
Fairmont Grand Del Mar	San Diego CA	858-314-1975
Wayfarer Bread	La Jolla CA	805-709-0964
InterContinental Vistal Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-501-9400
Il Sogno Italiano	San Diego CA	619-380-2652
Great Maple Hillcrest	San Diego CA	619-255-2282
Mille Fleurs	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-756-3085
Secret Sister	San Diego CA	619-281-0718
Saiko Sushi-North Park	San Diego CA	619-886-6656
Shake and Muddle	Chula Vista CA	619-816-5429
California Center for the Arts	Escondido CA	760-839-4107
Coast Catering	Escondido CA	619-295-3173
Leichtag Foundation	Encinitas CA	760-230-6772
US Grant Hotel Main	San Diego CA	619-232-3121
Viejas Casino Banquets	Alpine Ca	619-295-3172
Tartine	Coronado CA	619-435-4323
Swagyu Chop Shop-PB	San Diego CA	858-758-0357
Nobu	San Diego CA	619-814-4124
Glenbrook Health Center	Carlsbad CA	760-704-1000
Civico 1845	San Diego CA	574-210-4025
Belching Beaver Brewery - Pub 980	Vista CA	760-420-7764
Animae	San Diego CA	619-925-7908
Dolce Pane & Vino	Del Mar CA	858-832-1518
Mesa College	San Diego CA	619-388-2240
Neighborhood Burger	San Diego CA	619-446-0002
Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe 3	San Diego CA	858-405-2401
Artifact at Mingei	San Diego CA	619-846-2164
Bread & Cie Café	San Diego CA	619-683-9322
Green Acres Campus 2020	San Diego CA	858-450-9907
The Haven	San Diego CA	619-964-3778
Hotel La Jolla & CUSP -CLK	La Jolla CA	858-459-0261
Black Radish	San Diego CA	619-775-7412
Del Mar Country Club	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-759-5500 x207
Harvest Kitchen	Vista CA	619-709-0938
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-761-1269
Pendry SD (Provisional)	San Diego CA	619-738-7000
ALCE 101	Solana Beach CA	619-886-0059
Prager Brothers (Encinitas)	Encinitas CA	760-704-8441
Azuki Sushi Lounge	San Diego CA	619-238-4760
Kappa Sushi	San Diego CA	858-566-3388
The Roxy Encinitas	Encinitas CA	760-230-2899
Stone Brewing-Liberty Station	San Diego CA	619-269-2100
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District	El Cajon CA	619-644-7585
The Smoking Goat	San Diego CA	858-232-4220
Pacifica Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-792-0505
Joya Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-255-5979

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Leeks. One

is easiest, three is harder.

The First Mess		Leek, Fennel, Apple & Walnut Soup with Turmeric
Give Recipe		Oven-Baked Leek Frittata
The Foodie Physician		Mini Spring Vegetable Quiches
I'd Rather Be A Chef		Creamed Leeks
Little Broken		Creamy Roasted Tomato and Basil Soup
Porcini Chronicles		Minestrone With Fresh Borlotti Beans and Farro
Our Salty Kitchen		Ricotta Pasta with Peas and Leeks
A Beautiful Plate		Creamy Leek & Pancetta Pappardelle
Field & Forest Products		Wine Cap Mushroom Soup
Sprouted Kitchen		Scallops On Creamy Leeks

the other 55...

80 Breakfasts		Pan Seared Salmon with Creamy Leeks
Taste and Tell		Alsatian Potato Pie
Salt and Pepper Skillet		Braised Leeks with Tomato Vinaigrette
Almond To Zest		Caramelized Leek, Brie & Ham Quiche
Life Made Simple		Leek and Potato Gratin
My Kids Lick The Bowl		Chicken and Leek Baked Risotto
The Wooden Skillet		Creamy Leeks Recipe + Black Trumpet Mushrooms
Nyssa's Kitchen		Creamy Potato and Parsley Soup
Umami Girl		Braised Chicken Thighs with White Wine, Leeks and Mushrooms
White on Rice Couple		Broiled Leeks with Fresh Apple Vinaigrette for Fall Fest
The Busy Baker		Crock Pot Potato Bacon Leek Soup
Simply So Healthy		Low-Carb "Potato" Leek Soup
Baking Me Crazy		Paleo Creamy Potato Leek Soup
My New Roots		Lemony Leeks with Chickpeas and Feta
My Kids Lick The Bowl		Chicken and Leek Baked Risotto
nodesserts		Leek, Potato and Zucchini Hot Cakes
Minimalist Baker		Mushroom & Leek Risotto
Sprouted Kitchen		Strawberry & Leek Quesadillas
Foodie Crush		Creamy Mushroom and Leek Chicken
Honest Food dot Net		Sichuan Stir-Fried Puffballs
Honest Food dot Net		Dai Lime Quail
Frugal Feeding		Chicken and Leek Pasties
Natasha's Kitchen		Creamy Mushroom and Leek Pasta
The Clever Carrot		Carrot and Leek Soup
My Kids Lick The Bowl		Wholemeal Yoghurt Dough Scrolls
Yay For Food		One Hour Leek and Mushroom Mozzarella Pizza
Cilantro & Citronella		Vegan Vichyssoise
Yes, More Please		Leek, Potato & Goat Cheese Tarte Tatin
The Pretty Bee		Creamy Potato Leek Soup
Baked Greens		Curry Roasted Carnival Squash, Carrots & Leeks
Wall Flower Kitchen		Creamy Leek & Mushroom Pie
Contentedness Cooking		Leek & Potato Soup
Diary of a Tomato		Porri al Forno (Leeks Baked in Cream)
Life Made Simple		Spring Pea Soup with Leeks and Lentils
The Harvest Kitchen		Simple Spinach, Leek & Onion Frittata
The Harvest Kitchen		French Potage
Rawmazing		Leek Polenta with Roasted Chanterelle Mushrooms
Just a Little Bit of Bacon		Orecchiette Pasta With Leeks, Pancetta, And Corn Crema
Garlic & Zest		Fennel and Leek Soup with Mushrooms
An Opera Singer in the Kitchen		Sun-dried Tomato and Leek Quiche
Radiate Food Vibes		Vegan Veggie Pizza
West Coast Kitchen & Garden		Easy and Delicious Fiddlehead and Farmhouse Cheddar Tart
Pinch My Salt		K's Potato Leek Soup
Red and Honey		Gratineed Leeks
From A Chef's Kitchen		Cream of Asparagus and Leek Soup with Curry
Our Salty Kitchen		Braised Leeks with Poached Eggs
Sprinkles and Sprouts		Saffron and Leek Risotto â€“ Served 2 Ways
Ahead of Thyme		Skinny Creamy Artichoke Soup
Minimalist Baker		Mushroom and Leek Risotto
From A Chef's Kitchen		Green Minestrone with Radish Greens Pesto
Tasty Yummies		Sautéed Green Beans with Mushrooms and Caramelized Leeks
Bowl of Delicious		Leek and Gruyere Grilled Cheese
Contentedness Cooking		Leek and Potato Soup
101 Cookbooks		Leek Soup with Dill Oil
Rooting the Sun		Braised Leeks, White Beans, Black Olives & Dilled Breadcrumbs

Recently Shared

People have shared Leeks using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.

Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.

Poway Farmers Market

Martinez Farms
Nipomo, CA

Near Poway, California, United States
About 37 days ago, 4/16/22

coop 5 terre

coop 5 terre
Via Colombo, 196, 19017 Riomaggiore SP

Liguria, Italy
About 58 days ago, 3/26/22

Specialty Produce

Specialty Produce
1928 Hancock St, San Diego, CA 92110
619-295-3172
https://specialtyproduce.com

Near San Diego, California, United States
About 71 days ago, 3/13/22
Sharer's comments : Leeks from Tutti Frutti Organics

Esentai Gourmet
проспект Aль-Фараби 77/8, Алматы 050060

California, United States
About 73 days ago, 3/11/22
Sharer's comments : Leeks at Esentai Gourmet

Santa Monica Farmers Market

Fresno Evergreen

Near Santa Monica, California, United States
About 89 days ago, 2/23/22
Sharer's comments : Leeks from Fresno Evergreen

Leucadia Farmers Market

Golden Farms
San Luis Obispo CA
https://www.goldenfarms.com

Near Encinitas, California, United States
About 99 days ago, 2/13/22

Specialty Produce

Specialty Produce
1929 hancock st SD CA 92110
619-295-3172

Near San Diego, California, United States
About 128 days ago, 1/15/22
Sharer's comments : Leeks from Her Produce at Specialty Produce

Specialty Produce

Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St San Diego CA 92154
619-295-3172
https://specialtyproduce.com

Near San Diego, California, United States
About 141 days ago, 1/02/22
Sharer's comments : Leeks from Tutti Frutti Organics

Scripps Ranch Farmers Market

Golden Heart Family Farms
San Bernardino, CA

Near Poway, California, United States
About 192 days ago, 11/11/21

Waitrose & Partners

Waitrose & Partners tenterden
Recreation Ground Road Sayers Lane 10, Tenterden TN30 6BW, United Kingdom
441580765168
https://waitrose.com

England, United Kingdom
About 237 days ago, 9/28/21

Singh Meadows Near Tempe, Arizona, United States
About 401 days ago, 4/17/21

Specialty Produce

Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock Street San Diego CA 92110
619-295-3172

https://specialtyproduce.com

Near San Diego, California, United States
About 430 days ago, 3/19/21
Sharer's comments : Leeks from Fresno Evergreens

Specialty Produce

Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock Street San Diego CA 92110
619-295-3172

https://specialtyproduce.com

Near San Diego, California, United States
About 445 days ago, 3/04/21
Sharer's comments : Bunches leeks from Fresno Evergreens

zakhfilm micro district, 17/1, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Ecofreshmarket
Kazakhfilm micro district, 17/1, Almaty, Kazakhstan

California, United States
About 460 days ago, 2/17/21
Sharer's comments : Leek from China

University District Farmers Market

Cabrera Farm
16470 SR 20 Mount Vernon WA

Near Seattle, Washington, United States
About 520 days ago, 12/19/20
Sharer's comments : Will sauté and add these to my mashed potatoes at Xmas dinner this year :)

Virginia Park Farmer's Market

Fresno Evergreen

Near Santa Monica, California, United States
About 604 days ago, 9/26/20

Santa Monica Farmers Market

Tutti Frutti Organic Farm
Lompac, CA
805-737-7127

Near Santa Monica, California, United States
About 726 days ago, 5/27/20
Sharer's comments : Fresh Leeks at Tutti Frutti Farms