Baby Leeks
Estimated Inventory, 12 ct : 3.25
This item was last sold on : 11/23/24
Description/Taste
Baby leeks are small, underdeveloped versions of regular leeks. They resemble spring onions and scallions as they do not produce the bulbs that larger-sized leeks possess. They typically measure about 20 to 25 centimeters long and 1.25 centimeters wide. They can vary in appearance and color but the majority of Baby leeks have a thin, cylindrical stem that resembles the shape of celery, particularly at the white translucent base of the vegetable. Beneath this base are stringy off-white root fibers that are usually cut off before consumption. The stalks of these leeks transition from white to a bright green fanned foliage that lays flat and has a flimsier texture than the sturdy base of the vegetable. This grass-like foliage has a striped texture and faint yellow dots occasionally speckled across its surface. When the base of Baby leeks is sliced width-wise, they create circular pieces of leeks that are white on the outside and yellow on the inside, becoming lighter green as they transcend up the stalk of the vegetable. Baby leeks have a tender, consistently moist flesh and mild, sweet, onion-like flavor. They are crisp when raw, developing a melting quality when cooked. Baby leeks are entirely edible, including the roots.
Seasons/Availability
Baby leeks are available year-round with a peak season from late summer to mid-fall.
Current Facts
Baby leeks are botanically known as Allium ampeloprasum and belong to the Amaryllidaceae family along with garlic and onions. They are the immature version of various traditionally-sized leek varieties and come in a range of colors, including ones with long, narrow green leaves or wide blue-green tinted leaves. There are many leek cultivars, typically categorized as either early-maturing summer leeks, which are harvested in the same season they are planted, or winter leeks, which are harvested in the spring following their planting. Baby leeks are best suited to summer varieties, as they are picked before reaching full maturity. These young leeks can be plucked from the soil for culinary use or to thin the plants, making room for additional crop growth. Common Baby leek varieties include Varna, King Richard, Pancho, and French Baby leeks.
Nutritional Value
Baby leeks are a rich source of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system, promotes healthy skin, and enhances wound healing. They also contain vitamin A, which is crucial for maintaining good vision, skin health, and a strong immune response. Vitamin K in Baby leeks supports proper blood clotting and bone health. These vegetables also provide the body with folate, an essential vitamin for DNA synthesis and cell division that's particularly important for pregnant women. The fiber in Baby leeks aids in digestion, promotes a healthy gut, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. They are also a good source of manganese, which supports metabolism, bone health, and antioxidant production.
Applications
Baby leeks can be consumed raw, cooked, or sautéed. They bode well for hearty recipes like pot pies, leek tarts, soups, and stews. These vegetables are frequently incorporated into salads or used as a topping for pizzas and flatbreads. They can be caramelized by sautéing in olive oil or butter and then added to potato dishes and pasta. Grilling these leeks imparts a smoky flavor that pairs well with proteins such as chicken, pork, beef, lamb, and seafood. They should be blanched prior to grilling so that they retain their coloring and don't burn. Baby leeks pair well with cream sauces such as béchamel, goat, cheddar, and aged sheep's cheese, bread crumbs, poultry, white fish, apples, fennel, garlic, mustard, tomatoes, and vinaigrettes. Store these vegetables in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator where they can last up to a week.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Welsh lore, St. David, the Patron Saint of Wales, commanded soldiers during the 640 CE Saxon War to wear leeks in their helmets. This was done to distinguish themselves from their enemies amidst the chaos of battle. This march was led by King Cadwaladr for the purpose of defending their land from the Germanic tribes of Saxon invaders trying to take siege of Wales and other regions of Britain. Leeks are celebrated across Wales on St. David’s Day, a holiday observed on March 1st that honors St. David and the triumphs of the Welsh people. Festivities include traditional dancing, singing of Welsh and English hymns, flag bunting, and wearing leeks and daffodils on clothing, both of which are emblematic of Welsh national pride. Leeks are still found on the cap badges of the Welsh Guard.
Geography/History
Leeks are native to Western Asia and the Mediterranean region of Europe. They are hardy plants that can grow in cold and warm climates, preferring temperatures ranging between 13 to 24 degrees Celcius. Baby leeks are the immature version of regular-sized leeks and must be specifically harvested at a young stage. As a result, they are not found in the wild but are frequently grown commercially and in home gardens. Leeks are an ancient vegetable that has been traced back for centuries due to wall carvings and archaic texts from Mesopotamia and Egypt. They’ve been cultivated since the Bronze Age around 4000 BCE and were likely domesticated in approximately 2000 BCE. These vegetables were brought to Western Europe during the Middle Ages and made their way to North America through early European settlers. Baby leeks are a niche variety that’s not as popular as their larger-sized counterparts. They may be infrequently found at farmers' markets and specialty stores that focus on novelty vegetable varieties. Baby leeks can also be purchased as seeds for growing in home gardens.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Viejas Casino Grove Steakhouse | Alpine CA | 800-295-3172 |
| The Cottage Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-775-1197 |
| The Tavern | Coronado CA | 602-628-5890 |
| Little Lion | San Diego CA | 619-519-4079 |
| The Cottage Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 858-454-8409 |
| Crudo Cevicheria & Oyster Bar | San Diego CA | 619-313-9127 |
| Hotel La Jolla - Sea & Sky | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0261 |
| Catania La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-551-5105 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| Higher Grounds Coffee + Cafe | San Diego CA | 831-247-5395 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Baby Leeks. One
is easiest, three is harder.
