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Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.


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.
Wine Vault & Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-295-3939 |
Glenbrook Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
Pop Pie Co. (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-414-8495 |
Tom Hams Light House | San Diego CA | 619-291-9110 |
Eclipse Chocolate | San Diego CA | 619-831-5170 |
Belching Beaver Brewery - Pub 980 | Vista CA | 760-420-7764 |
Carmel Mountain Ranch Country Club | San Diego CA | 760-583-9237 |
Wonderland Ocean Pub | San Diego CA | 619-255-3358 |
Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
Saiko Sushi-North Park | San Diego CA | 619-886-6656 |
Eddie V's La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-459-5500 |
The Field Irish Pub & Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-232-9840 |
Carte Blanche Bistro & Bar | Oceanside CA | 619-297-3100 |
Isola Pizza Bar | San Diego CA | 619-564-2938 |
The Compass | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-1900 |
Wayfarer Bread | La Jolla CA | 805-709-0964 |
Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
Shake and Muddle | Chula Vista CA | 619-816-5429 |
Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
Bread & Cie Café | San Diego CA | |
Huntress | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill | Vista CA | 760-509-4424 |
Harumama | San Diego CA | 619-269-7122 |
Mitch's Seafood | San Diego CA | 619-316-7314 |
Barbarella La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-7373 |
Eddie V's Prime Seafood | San Diego CA | 619-615-0281 |
Four Seasons Residence Club | Carlsbad CA | 760-603-6360 |
Wheat & Water | La Jolla CA | 858-291-8690 |
Mr A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
Cucina Sorella | San Diego CA | 858-232-7808 |
University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
Neighborhood Burger | San Diego CA | 619-446-0002 |
Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
The Smoking Goat | San Diego CA | 858-232-4220 |
The Farm Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-5585 |
Lumi | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
Tahona (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
Black Raill Kitchen + Bar | Carlsbad CA | 619-454-9182 |
Orens Fine Foods | San Diego CA | 510-910-2298 |
Avant | San Diego CA | 858-675-8505 |
Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5500 x207 |
Claytons Bakery & Bistro | Coronado CA | 619-435-5425 |
Beaumont's | San Diego CA | 858-459-0474 |
Mesa College | San Diego CA | 619-388-2240 |
Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
Brockton Villa Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-454-7393 |
Blue Ocean La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-999-4073 |
Azuki Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-238-4760 |
La Costa Glen South | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
Pendry SD (Lion Fish) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
Rubicon Deli India Street | San Diego CA | 619-200-4201 |
Busy Bee Cook For Me | San Diego CA | 858-405-5372 |
Fish 101 Cardiff | Cardiff CA | 619-753-7139 |
URBN Catering | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 508-320-6644 |
RoVino Rotisserie + Wine | San Diego CA | 619-972-6286 |
Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
Morning Glory | San Diego CA | 619-629-0302 |
Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
Blue Water Seafood Ocean Beach | San Diego CA | 619-308-6500 |
The Joint | San Diego CA | 619-222-8272 |
Oyster and Pearl Bar Restaurant | La Mesa CA | 619-303-8118 |
insideOUT | San Diego CA | 619-888-8623 |
Et Voilà! French Bistro | San Diego CA | 858-610-8784 |
Addison Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-350-7600 |
Hotel Republic San Diego | San Diego CA | 951-756-9357 |
C 2 C | San Diego CA | 619-972-9345 |
Miho Gastrotruck | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
Harumama Carlsbad | Carlsbad CA | 858-999-4073 |
Bistro du Marche by Tapenade | La Jolla CA | 858-551-7500 |
Village Vino | San Diego CA | 619-546-8466 |
Fish 101 | Encinitas CA | 760-943-6221 |
Ki's Kitchen Commissary | VISTA CA | 760-777-0700 |
Zinque | San Diego CA | 559-281-2485 |
Blue Water Seafood Market and Grill | San Diego CA | 619-497-0914 |
PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
Shoreside Support Boat | San Diego CA | 704-277-7929 |
Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
Viejas Casino Banquets | Alpine Ca | 619-295-3172 |
Waters Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 x4 |
Patisserie Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-925-7223 |
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-380-9840 |
Green Acres Campus 2020 | San Diego CA | 858-450-9907 |
La Costa Glen North | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1436 |
Azucar | San Diego CA | 619-523-2020 |
The Country Club Of Rancho Bernardo | San Diego CA | 858-451-9100 |
Third Corner Ocean Beach | San Diego CA | 619-223-2700 |
Under Belly-Little Italy Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
Hash House A Go Go | San Diego CA | 951-764-0605 |
Communal Coffee | San Diego CA | |
The Plot | Oceanside CA | 422-266-8200 |
The Original 40 Brewing | San Diego CA | 619-206-4725 |
Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
Bahia Resort Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-488-0551 |
The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
Fleming's Steakhouse La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-535-0078 |
JRDN Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-270-5736 |
Siamo Napoli | San Diego CA | 619-300-4810 |
The Wild Thyme Company | San Diego CA | 858-527-0226 |
Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 858-208-9422 |
Cutwater Spirits | San Diego CA | 619-672-3848 |
The Haven | San Diego CA | 619-964-3778 |
Harley Gray Kitchen and Bar | San Diego CA | 619-840-7000 |
Bekker's Catering | San Diego CA | 619-287-9027 |
Rubicon Deli-UTC | San Diego CA | 619-200-4201 |
Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 858-531-8677 |
Cocina De Barrio | San Diego CA | 760-840-1129 |
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District | El Cajon CA | 619-644-7585 |
Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
Sugar and Scribe | La Jolla CA | 858-274-1733 |
Open Gym-Craft Meals | San Diego CA | 619-799-3675 |
Kappa Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-566-3388 |
Full Moon | San Diego CA | 619-233-3711 |
Catania La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 619-295-3173 |
Peace Pies | San Diego CA | 619-618-6960 |
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 808-868-8639 |
Bernardo Heights Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-487-4022 |
Little Frenchie | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
Blade 1936 | Oceanside CA | 760-231-1456 |
Coya Peruvian Secret | Del Mar CA | 619-295-3172 |
Farmers Bottega | San Diego CA | 619-306-8963 |
Luce | San Diego CA | 619-275-2094 |
Mavericks Beach Club | San Diego CA | 858-999-0348 |
Mille Fleurs | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-3085 |
Vista Valley | Vista CA | 760-758-2800 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Leeks. One

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.
![]() About 4 days ago, 4/17/21 ![]() ![]() About 33 days ago, 3/19/21 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Fresno Evergreens ![]() ![]() About 48 days ago, 3/04/21 Sharer's comments : Bunches leeks from Fresno Evergreens ![]() ![]()
Ecofreshmarket
California, United StatesKazakhfilm micro district, 17/1, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 63 days ago, 2/17/21 Sharer's comments : Leek from China ![]() ![]()
Cabrera Farm
Near Seattle, Washington, United States16470 SR 20 Mount Vernon WA About 123 days ago, 12/19/20 Sharer's comments : Will sauté and add these to my mashed potatoes at Xmas dinner this year :) ![]() ![]()
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 207 days ago, 9/26/20 ![]() ![]()
Tutti Frutti Organic Farm
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesLompac, CA 805-737-7127 About 329 days ago, 5/27/20 Sharer's comments : Fresh Leeks at Tutti Frutti Farms ![]() ![]() About 357 days ago, 4/29/20 ![]() ![]()
Ground Works Organics
Near Eugene, Oregon, United States150 Shelton Mcmurphey Blvd Eugene OR. 97401 541-431-4023 https://www.lanecountyfarmersmarket.org About 410 days ago, 3/07/20 ![]() ![]()
Tutti Frutti Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesLompoc,CA 1-805-218-6122 About 413 days ago, 3/04/20 Sharer's comments : Leeks are happening ![]() ![]()
Her Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesFresno, CA 559-313-6676 About 420 days ago, 2/26/20 ![]() ![]()
Tutti Frutti Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesLompoc, CA 1-805-218-6122 About 518 days ago, 11/20/19 Sharer's comments : Leeks!! ![]() ![]() About 534 days ago, 11/04/19 Sharer's comments : Great time for a leek soup, thank you Rungis! ![]() ![]()
Browns Valley Market
Near Napa, California, United States3263 Browns Valley Road Napa CA 94558 707-253-1873 About 628 days ago, 8/02/19 Sharer's comments : Organics ![]() ![]()
Lucky - Lakeview Hwy
Near Petaluma, California, United States929 Lakeville Highway Petaluma CA 94952 707-762-8783 About 638 days ago, 7/23/19 ![]() ![]()
Petaluma Market
Near Petaluma, California, United States210 Western Ave Petaluma CA 94952 707-762-5464 About 638 days ago, 7/23/19 ![]() ![]()
Nugget Markets
Near Novato, California, United States470 Ignacio Blvd Novato CA 94949 415-883-4600 About 639 days ago, 7/22/19 ![]() ![]()
Luke’s Local
Near San Francisco, California, United States960 Cole Street San Francisco CA 94117 415-742-4207 About 649 days ago, 7/12/19 ![]() ![]()
Takashimaya Basement Food Hall
Near Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan035-361-1111 About 657 days ago, 7/04/19 Sharer's comments : Takashimaya Food Hall and Market source fruits and vegetables grown in Japan and abroad. ![]() ![]()
Takashimaya Basement Food Hall
Near Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan035-361-1111 About 658 days ago, 7/03/19 Sharer's comments : Fresh fruits and vegetables from all over Japan and Asia ![]() ![]()
Lalas S.A
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens M 18-20 002104826243 About 664 days ago, 6/27/19 Sharer's comments : Leeks locally grown🇬🇷 ![]() ![]()
Whole Foods Market - Cresent Drive
Near Beverly Hills, California, United States239 N Cresent Drive Beverly Hills CA 90210 310-274-3360 About 668 days ago, 6/23/19 ![]() ![]()
Stater Bros. Markets - Newport Blvd.
Near Costa Mesa, California, United States2180 Newport Blvd. Costa Mesa CA 92627 949-646-2324 About 670 days ago, 6/21/19 ![]() ![]()
Mitsuwa Marketplace - Costa Mesa
Near South Coast Metro, California, United States665 Paularino Ave. Costa Mesa CA 92626 714-557-6699 About 670 days ago, 6/21/19 Sharer's comments : Good quality ![]() ![]()
Central Markets & Fisheries Organization S.A. / Farmers Market
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceTzon Kennenti, Agios Ioannis Rentis https://www.okaa.gr/ About 713 days ago, 5/09/19 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Netherlands 🇳🇱 |