Leeks

Estimated Inventory, 12 ct : 28.53
This item was last sold on : 05/03/25

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Description/Taste

Leeks are comprised of tightly layered leaf sheaths that form a thick, fleshy bundle with fanned leaves at the top. The base of the plant is covered in a grouping of thin, cream-colored to light-brown roots, and the stalk-like portion of the plant is called a pseudostem. The bottom of the pseudostem is white and transitions to pale green and dark green hues. The pseudostem also has a curved, cylindrical appearance and a smooth, taut, and lightly striated surface. The top portions of Leeks bear thick, fibrous, tough leaves that gently expand and open. These leaves range in color from muted dark green, blue-green, to yellow-green hues, depending on the specific variety. When sliced in half, the Leek’s base showcases a white interior, and the flesh is made up of small concentric layers, which look similar to halves of onions. Leeks have a crunchy, firm, and crisp consistency when raw. Once cooked, the cut leaves soften to a tender, succulent mouthfeel. Leeks are known for their mild, vegetal, onion-like flavor with a subtly sweet and savory taste.

Seasons/Availability

Leeks are available year-round, with a peak season from spring through summer.

Current Facts

Leeks, botanically classified as Allium ampeloprasum, are an ancient species belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. The upright-growing, herbaceous plant typically reaches one meter in height and is a cold-tolerant species with a long growing season. Many species of Leeks are found within the Allium genus, and each species is further categorized into early, mid, and late-season varieties. Allium ampeloprasum is primarily known as the Common leek and is the traditional species sold in markets worldwide. Throughout history, Leeks have been used for medicinal and culinary purposes. The species is favored for its nutritional properties and milder flavor than other members of the Allium genus, like garlic or onions. In the modern day, Leeks are widely available in fresh markets worldwide and are sought by chefs and home cooks as a foundational flavoring in raw and cooked preparations.

Nutritional Value

Leeks are a source of vitamins A, B, and K to maintain healthy organs, produce energy, and aid in faster wound healing. Leeks also provide fiber to regulate and cleanse the digestive tract, magnesium to control nerve functions, and iron to develop the protein hemoglobin for oxygen transport through the bloodstream. Other nutrients include calcium, phosphorus, copper, and manganese. In natural medicines, Leeks were viewed as having diuretic, antiseptic, and antispasmodic properties. The vegetable was thought to help the circulatory system and was considered a healthy culinary ingredient. Leeks were also a favorite food of Emperor Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus in Rome. It is said Emperor Nero ate Leeks and oil to improve his singing voice and consumed the vegetable so frequently he acquired the nickname “porophagus,” meaning “Leek-eater.” Greek Physician Hippocrates also once mentioned Leeks as a remedy for nosebleeds.

Applications

Leeks have a mild, aromatic, and savory-sweet taste suited for fresh and cooked preparations. It is important to thoroughly wash Leeks before use, as dirt and sand are commonly stuck between the leaf sheath layers. The base of the Leek should be trimmed, the leaves separated, and each piece rinsed or swished in a basin of water to clean any lingering debris. Once prepped, lighter-colored portions of Leeks are edible raw and can be chopped into salads and slaws. Leeks are also minced and mixed into creamy dips, used as a garnish for roasted meats, or combined with fresh herbs as a side. In addition to raw preparations, Leeks can be grilled, fried, steamed, braised, or sauteed. Try incorporating leeks with potatoes into side dishes and casseroles. Leeks can also be cooked with asparagus, topped over pizza, mixed into pasta, or added to egg dishes like omelets and quiche. Popular soup recipes using Leeks include vichyssoise, a creamy onion and potato recipe; potager, a French soup made with garden vegetables; or cock-a-leekie, a Scottish chicken soup. In Europe, Leeks are frequently braised in cream-based sauces or added to pies and pasties. They are also boiled and tossed in a vinaigrette as a side. In the United States, Leeks are often grilled for a smoky taste or fried for enhanced texture. The dark green upper portions of the leaves are not eaten but can be used as flavoring for soup stocks. Leeks pair well with meats such as poultry, pork, and beef, herbs such as thyme, tarragon, fennel, and chervil, peas, artichokes, asparagus, carrots, and tomatoes. Whole, unwashed Leeks will last 1 to 2 weeks when wrapped in a paper towel and stored in a loose container in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer. Leeks can also be blanched and frozen for several months.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

Leeks are one of the national symbols of Wales, a country beside England in southwestern Great Britain. Several legends are associated with Leeks within Welsh folklore, and the most famous tale ties the species to Saint David, the Patron Saint of Wales. Saint David was alive during the 6th century CE and spent his life traveling around England and Wales, sharing religious views and teaching the public. Around the same time when Saint David was traveling and being active in the community, Leeks were recorded in medicinal documents as a nutritious culinary ingredient for keeping the body healthy. Leeks were also a part of a well-known legend intertwined with the battle of Kind Cadwallader of Gwynedd and the Saxons in 640 CE. It is said that to differentiate the soldiers on the battlefield, King Cadwallader had his army place Leeks into their helmets. The Leeks were thought to have brought good luck, and the Welsh won the battle. While neither of these tales has been proven true, folklore is still passed on between generations as a cherished part of Welsh culture. Since the 640 CE battle, Welsh archers adopted the colors of the Leek, green and white, as their uniform, and Welsh Regiment Guards wear green and white plumes in their hats as a nod to the vegetable. Every year on Saint David's Day in Wales, celebrated on March 1st, Welshmen also wear pieces of Leeks in their jacket buttonholes in memory of the 640 CE battle. Other Saint David’s Day festivities include wearing Leeks in soldiers' caps and pictures of the vegetables sold on patches, posters, coins, and sports uniforms. The youngest recruits of the Welsh Guards Regiment also keep tradition by eating a raw Leek in front of their troop as a right of passage.

Geography/History

Leeks are believed to be native to the Eastern Mediterranean and parts of the Middle East and are descendants of wild species that have been naturally growing since ancient times. Early types of leeks were used in Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. Painted Egyptian tombs featured images of Leeks, and the vegetables were thought to have been a standard part of the Egyptian diet sometime around 2,000 BCE. They were also seen in depictions in the hands of Osiris, the god of the afterlife and agriculture. Leeks were later present in Ancient Greece and Rome. It is thought that the Romans spread the cultivation of Leeks across Europe, and over time, the species was adopted by communities as a common vegetable. Throughout history, Leeks were domesticated for culinary and medicinal use, and cultivated types evolved in appearance from wild plants to meet changing consumer demands. Today, Leeks are grown worldwide in temperate climates. When in season, Leeks are commonly sold in small bundles through fresh markets, supermarkets, and wholesalers.

Featured Restaurants

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

The Smoking Goat	San Diego CA	858-232-4220
Davanti Enoteca Little Italy	San Diego CA	619-237-9606
Great Maple Hillcrest	San Diego CA	619-255-2282
Bread & Cie Café	San Diego CA	619-683-9322
Alila Marea Beach Resort	Encinitas CA	805-539-9719
Bar Ella	San Diego CA	858-808-2286
Lumi	San Diego CA	619-955-5750
Relic Bageri LLC	San Diego CA	619-335-6328
Sycuan Casino	El Cajon CA	619-445-6002
Bica	San Diego CA	619-669-5725
Pamplemousse Grill	Solana Beach CA	858-792-9090
Trust Restaurant	San Diego CA	609-780-7572
Fox Point Farms	Encinitas CA	619-892-0553
Bistro du Marche by Tapenade	La Jolla CA	858-551-7500
Peace Pies	San Diego CA	619-618-6960
Addison Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-350-7600
Marine Group Global Services LLC	San Diego CA	619-972-9345
The Cottage	La Jolla CA	858-454-8408
Top of the Market	San Diego CA	619-234-4867
Cal A Vie	Vista CA	760-945-2055

the other 124...

Something Homemade	Vista CA	858-245-1004
Herb & Wood	San Diego CA	520-205-1288
The Handmade Chef Meal Prep Co.	San Diego CA	619-368-3705
Crest Cafe	San Diego CA	619-295-2510
Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC	San Marcos CA	508-320-6644
The Joint	San Diego CA	619-222-8272
Manna	Encinitas CA	510-366-3057
The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining	San Diego CA	858-759-3150
The Lab Restaurant	Oceanside CA	619-861-8299
Mitch's Seafood	San Diego CA	619-316-7314
WineSellar & Brasserie	San Diego CA	858-450-9557
Pier 32 Water Front Grill	National City CA	619-718-6240
Fishery	San Diego CA	858-272-9985
Blue Ocean Sushi & Grill (UTC)	San Diego CA	858-886-9909
Neighborhood Burger	San Diego CA	619-446-0002
Inn at Rancho Santa Fe (Banquet)	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-381-8289
Madison	San Diego CA	619-822-3465
Merenda	Oceanside CA	703-459-4145
Miss B's Coconut Club	San Diego CA	858-381-0855
Brockton Villa Restaurant	San Diego CA	858-454-7393
Green Acres Campus	San Diego CA	858-450-9907
Isola Pizza Bar	San Diego CA	619-564-2938
Lodge at Torrey Pines Main	San Diego CA	858-453-4420
Giaola	Carlsbad CA	858-266-9303
Little Frenchie	Coronado CA	619-522-6890
Sugar and Scribe	La Jolla CA	858-274-1733
Pizzeria Luigi	San Diego CA	610-539-7025
Jake's Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-755-2002
Trattoria I Trulli	Encinitas CA	760-277-9826
Paradisaea Restaurant	La Jolla CA	732-915-6669
Polaris Supreme	San Diego CA	619-390-7890
Hash House A Go Go	San Diego CA	951-764-0605
Huntress	San Diego CA	619-955-5750
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District	El Cajon CA	619-644-7585
Le Coq	La Jolla CA	858-427-1500
Urban Kitchen Catering	San Diego CA	619-276-8803
Gravity Heights Mission Valley	San Diego CA	619-384-5993
Glenbrook Health Center	Carlsbad CA	760-704-1000
Azucar	San Diego CA	619-523-2020
The Tavern	Coronado CA	602-628-5890
La Jolla Country Club	San Diego CA	858-454-9601
RoVino Rotisserie + Wine	San Diego CA	619-972-6286
Cliffhanger Cafe Menu	San Diego CA	858-452-9858
Comedor Nishi	La Jolla CA	619-549-9919
Rancho Valencia	Del Mar CA	858-756-1123
L Orangerie	Coronado CA	619-571-3367
Mille Fleurs	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-756-3085
Aztec Shop Catering	San Diego CA	619 594-3576
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest	San Diego CA	619-380-9840
Ju-Ichi	San Diego CA	619-800-2203
Lilo	Carlsbad CA	619-385-0914
Oliver & Rose	San Diego CA	619-300-3395
Tartine	Coronado CA	619-435-4323
Bleu Boheme	San Diego CA	619-255-4167
Fort Oak	San Diego CA	619-795-6901
The Lion Share	San Diego CA	619-564-6924
Nolita Hall	San Diego CA	619-618-8820
Fish 101	Encinitas CA	760-943-6221
Peace Pies (Encinitas)	Encinitas CA	619-618-6960
Solare Ristorante Lounge	San Diego CA	619-270-9670
Catania La Jolla	La Jolla CA	619-884-5350
Jeune Et Jolie	Carlsbad CA	858-231-0862
Hotel La Jolla - Sea & Sky	La Jolla CA	858-459-0261
Rose Café	Carlsbad CA	310-399-0711
Mister A's	San Diego CA	619-239-1377
Small Barn	Temecula CA	951-225-2822
Frenchy's Hideout	San Diego CA	858-345-7379
Rustic Root Solana	Solana Beach CA	619-955-5750
Isola La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-412-5566
Cocina De Barrio	San Diego CA	760-840-1129
Bernardo Heights Country Club	San Diego CA	858-487-4022
Cocina de Barrio NP	San Diego CA	858-349-2313
Costa Brava	San Diego CA	858-273-1218
Coya Peruvian Secret	Del Mar CA	619-295-3172
Fish 101 Cardiff	Cardiff CA	619-753-7139
Jalisco Cantina	Carlsbad CA	619-204-5945
Cocina de Barrio Point Loma	San Diego CA	858-349-2313
Barbarella La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-454-7373
Farmer and The Seahorse	San Diego CA	619-302-3682
Higher Grounds Coffee + Cafe	San Diego CA	831-247-5395
Prager Brothers Artisan Bread	Carlsbad CA	760-445-9536
Cocina de Barrio Encinitas	Encinitas CA	760-840-1129
Juniper & Ivy	San Diego CA	858-481-3666
Claudia's Cocina	San Diego CA	855-444-3732
Morning Glory	San Diego CA	619-629-0302
Park Hyatt Aviara (Ember & Rye)	Carlsbad CA	760-448-1234
Marriott Del Mar	San Diego CA	858-369-6029
Kingfisher	San Diego CA	619-861-8074
San Diego Yacht Club	San Diego CA	619-758-6334
Lauberge Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-259-1515
Wormwood	San Diego CA	619-573-0289
Make Stuff Good	San Diego CA	949-547-9470
Kappa Sushi	San Diego CA	858-566-3388
Fox Point Farms (Haven)	Encinitas CA	619-892-0553
InterContinental Vistal Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-501-9400
Nobu	San Diego CA	619-814-4124
Panama 66	San Diego CA	619-206-6352
Il Sogno Italiano	San Diego CA	619-380-2652
Crudo Cevicheria & Oyster Bar	San Diego CA	619-313-9127
Reata Glen	Ladera Ranch CA	949-545-2250
UCSD Health East campus	San Diego CA	619-578-3373
US Grant Hotel Main	San Diego CA	619-232-3121
The Field Irish Pub & Restaurant	San Diego CA	619-232-9840
Ridgeview Health Center	San Diego CA	858-293-3950
The Beau Hotel	San Diego CA	619-310-5160
Piatti	San Diego CA	858-454-1589
Little Lion	San Diego CA	619-519-4079
The Pearl Hotel	San Diego CA	877-732-7573
Salt & Whiskey	San Diego CA	619-544-1886
US Grant Hotel Grill	San Diego CA	619-232-3121
Choi's	San Diego CA	858-900-1224
Gravity Heights Restaurant and Brewery	San Diego CA	858-551-5105
Parkhouse Eatery	San Diego CA	619 295 7275
Azuki Sushi Lounge	San Diego CA	619-238-4760
Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill	Vista CA	760-509-4424
Toast Catering	San Diego CA	619-795-9135
Georges at the Cove	San Diego CA	858-454-4244
Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-759-6063
Barra Oliba	San Diego CA	610-310-5110
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-761-1269
Secret Sister	San Diego CA	619-281-0718
Little Victory Wine Market	Carlsbad CA	310-738-3380
The Flavor Chef (Catering)	Vista CA	619-295-3172
Black Raill Kitchen + Bar	Carlsbad CA	619-454-9182

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Leeks. One

is easiest, three is harder.

101 Cookbooks		Leek Soup with Dill Oil
The Foodie Physician		Mini Spring Vegetable Quiches
Simply So Healthy		Low-Carb "Potato" Leek Soup
Porcini Chronicles		Minestrone With Fresh Borlotti Beans and Farro
The Busy Baker		Crock Pot Potato Bacon Leek Soup
Rooting the Sun		Braised Leeks, White Beans, Black Olives & Dilled Breadcrumbs
Frugal Feeding		Chicken and Leek Pasties
Radiate Food Vibes		Vegan Veggie Pizza
Nyssa's Kitchen		Creamy Potato and Parsley Soup
Honest Food dot Net		Sichuan Stir-Fried Puffballs

the other 56...

White on Rice Couple		Broiled Leeks with Fresh Apple Vinaigrette for Fall Fest
My Kids Lick The Bowl		Chicken and Leek Baked Risotto
I'd Rather Be A Chef		Creamed Leeks
From A Chef's Kitchen		Green Minestrone with Radish Greens Pesto
Umami Girl		Braised Chicken Thighs with White Wine, Leeks and Mushrooms
The Wooden Skillet		Creamy Leeks Recipe + Black Trumpet Mushrooms
Ahead of Thyme		Skinny Creamy Artichoke Soup
Baked Greens		Curry Roasted Carnival Squash, Carrots & Leeks
Salt and Pepper Skillet		Braised Leeks with Tomato Vinaigrette
An Opera Singer in the Kitchen		Sun-dried Tomato and Leek Quiche
My Kids Lick The Bowl		Wholemeal Yoghurt Dough Scrolls
Almond To Zest		Caramelized Leek, Brie & Ham Quiche
Sprinkles and Sprouts		Saffron and Leek Risotto â€“ Served 2 Ways
Red and Honey		Gratineed Leeks
Life Made Simple		Leek and Potato Gratin
Contentedness Cooking		Leek and Potato Soup
Taste and Tell		Alsatian Potato Pie
Bowl of Delicious		Leek and Gruyere Grilled Cheese
The Clever Carrot		Carrot and Leek Soup
Give Recipe		Oven-Baked Leek Frittata
Sprouted Kitchen		Scallops On Creamy Leeks
Sprouted Kitchen		Strawberry & Leek Quesadillas
Tasty Yummies		Sautéed Green Beans with Mushrooms and Caramelized Leeks
Contentedness Cooking		Leek & Potato Soup
My New Roots		Lemony Leeks with Chickpeas and Feta
Yes, More Please		Leek, Potato & Goat Cheese Tarte Tatin
nodesserts		Leek, Potato and Zucchini Hot Cakes
Minimalist Baker		Mushroom and Leek Risotto
Just a Little Bit of Bacon		Orecchiette Pasta With Leeks, Pancetta, And Corn Crema
Little Broken		Creamy Roasted Tomato and Basil Soup
Our Salty Kitchen		Ricotta Pasta with Peas and Leeks
West Coast Kitchen & Garden		Easy and Delicious Fiddlehead and Farmhouse Cheddar Tart
Cilantro & Citronella		Vegan Vichyssoise
My Kids Lick The Bowl		Chicken and Leek Baked Risotto
From A Chef's Kitchen		Cream of Asparagus and Leek Soup with Curry
The Harvest Kitchen		Simple Spinach, Leek & Onion Frittata
Baking Me Crazy		Paleo Creamy Potato Leek Soup
The Pretty Bee		Creamy Potato Leek Soup
Pinch My Salt		K's Potato Leek Soup
Our Salty Kitchen		Braised Leeks with Poached Eggs
Diary of a Tomato		Porri al Forno (Leeks Baked in Cream)
The Harvest Kitchen		French Potage
Feasting at Home		TARRAGON CHICKEN WITH ASPARAGUS, LEMON AND LEEKS
Wall Flower Kitchen		Creamy Leek & Mushroom Pie
Foodie Crush		Creamy Mushroom and Leek Chicken
Natasha's Kitchen		Creamy Mushroom and Leek Pasta
Yay For Food		One Hour Leek and Mushroom Mozzarella Pizza
Garlic & Zest		Fennel and Leek Soup with Mushrooms
Rawmazing		Leek Polenta with Roasted Chanterelle Mushrooms
80 Breakfasts		Pan Seared Salmon with Creamy Leeks
Field & Forest Products		Wine Cap Mushroom Soup
Life Made Simple		Spring Pea Soup with Leeks and Lentils
Minimalist Baker		Mushroom & Leek Risotto
Honest Food dot Net		Dai Lime Quail
The First Mess		Leek, Fennel, Apple & Walnut Soup with Turmeric
A Beautiful Plate		Creamy Leek & Pancetta Pappardelle