Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime, scientific name, X Citrofortunella mitis & Citrus microcarpa, is also known as the lime orange, Chinese orange or Calamondin orange.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
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.
| Parkhouse Eatery | San Diego CA | 619-295-7275 |
| Tahona (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Shakespeare's Corner Shoppe & Afternoon Tea | San Diego CA | 619-683-2748 |
| The Lab Restaurant | Oceanside CA | 619-861-8299 |
| Hotel La Jolla & CUSP -CLK | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0261 |
| Barrel & Board | San Diego CA | 619-379-2574 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Dolce Pane & Vino | Del Mar CA | 858-832-1518 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Craft House Sky Deck | San Diego CA | 619-948-4458 |
| Swagyu Chop Shop-PB | San Diego CA | 858-758-0357 |
| The Haven | San Diego CA | 619-964-3778 |
| Olivewood Gardens -Donation | National City CA | 619-434-4281 |
| Barbarella La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-7373 |
| Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe 1 | San Diego CA | 858-405-2401 |
| Kitchens For Good | San Diego CA | 619-450-4040 |
| Cocina De Barrio | San Diego CA | 760-840-1129 |
| Neighborhood Burger | San Diego CA | 619-446-0002 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Azuki Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-238-4760 |
| Saiko Sushi-North Park | San Diego CA | 619-886-6656 |
| Siamo Napoli | San Diego CA | 619-300-4810 |
| Coya Peruvian Secret | Del Mar CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Lafayette Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-296-2101 |
| Harumama Noodles & Buns (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 858-886-9909 |
| The Market by Buon Appetito | San Diego CA | 619-237-1335 |
| Eddie V's Prime Seafood - EV# 8514 | San Diego CA | 619-615-0281 |
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 858-208-9422 |
| Mission Pacific | Oceanside CA | 760-450-7864 |
| Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
| Kappa Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-566-3388 |
| Gravity Heights Restaurant and Brewery | San Diego CA | 858-551-5105 |
| Avant | San Diego CA | 858-675-8505 |
| Leichtag Foundation | Encinitas CA | 760-230-6772 |
| Ballast Point Restaurant - Miramar | San Diego CA | 858-790-6900 |
| InterContinental Banquet Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Prager Brothers (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 760-704-8441 |
| Morning Glory | San Diego CA | 619-629-0302 |
| Peace Pies | San Diego CA | 619-618-6960 |
| Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
| Shorehouse Kitchen Carlsbad | Carlsbad CA | 858-663-9916 |
| Oyster and Pearl Bar Restaurant | La Mesa CA | 619-303-8118 |
| Half Door Brewing | San Diego CA | 619-655-7459 |
| Civico 1845 | San Diego CA | 574-210-4025 |
| Darshan Bakery (Del Mar) | Del Mar CA | 858-925-7223 |
| Carte Blanche Bistro & Bar | Oceanside CA | 619-297-3100 |
| Black Raill Kitchen + Bar | Carlsbad CA | 619-454-9182 |
| Pendry SD (Provisional) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
| Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
| Isola La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-412-5566 |
| Mitch's Seafood | San Diego CA | 619-316-7314 |
| Salvatore's | San Diego CA | 619-544-1865 |
| Black Radish | San Diego CA | 619-775-7412 |
| Breakfast Company | San Diego CA | 619-356-5444 |
| Fish 101 Cardiff | Cardiff CA | 619-753-7139 |
| La Costa Glen North | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1436 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Lumi | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| The Roxy Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2899 |
| Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
| Wayfarer Bread | La Jolla CA | 805-709-0964 |
| Brockton Villa Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-454-7393 |
| Pop Pie Co. (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-414-8495 |
| Wormwood | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| AToN Center Inc. | Encinitas CA | 858-759-5017 |
| Chateau Lake San Marcos | San Marcos CA | 760-670-5807 |
| Boss Bird Kitchen | La Mesa CA | 858-566-9191 |
| Harvest Kitchen | Vista CA | 619-709-0938 |
| Eddie V's La Jolla - EV# 8511 | La Jolla CA | 858-459-5500 |
| Il Sogno Italiano | San Diego CA | 619-380-2652 |
| Farm Fresh Meals | San Diego CA | 760-707-2383 |
| Little Frenchie | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Pueblo | San Diego CA | 858-490-6298 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Tom Hams Light House | San Diego CA | 619-291-9110 |
| La Costa Glen South | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| The Field Irish Pub & Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-232-9840 |
| Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-944-1631 |
| Harumama | San Diego CA | 619-269-7122 |
| Starlite Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-358-9766 |
| Addison Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-350-7600 |
| Little Lion | San Diego CA | 619-519-4079 |
| Wolfies Carousel | San Diego CA | 909-477-1291 |
| Belching Beaver Brewery - Pub 980 | Vista CA | 760-420-7764 |
| Harumama Teriyaki & Bao | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5737 |
| Mr A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill | Vista CA | 760-509-4424 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe 3 | San Diego CA | 858-405-2401 |
| Madam Bonnies | San Diego CA | 619-432-1383 |
| Truluck's Seafood Steak and Crab House | San Diego CA | 858-453-2583 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Solare Ristorante Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-270-9670 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 808-868-8639 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| Huntress | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Herb & Wood | San Diego CA | 520-205-1288 |
| US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Bread & Cie Café | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
| The Wild Thyme Company | San Diego CA | 858-527-0226 |
| Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District | El Cajon CA | 619-644-7585 |
| Great Maple Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-255-2282 |
| The Shores | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8271 |
| The Crossings | Carlsbad CA | 760-444-1800 |
| Full Moon | San Diego CA | 619-233-3711 |
| The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 508-320-6644 |
| Wonderland Ocean Pub | San Diego CA | 619-255-3358 |
| California Center for the Arts | Escondido CA | 760-839-4107 |
| Green Acres Campus 2020 | San Diego CA | 858-450-9907 |
| Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Hive Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-218-4000 |
| Isola Pizza Bar | San Diego CA | 619-564-2938 |
| Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
| Kingfisher | San Diego CA | 619-861-8074 |
| Raki Raki (Little Italy) | San Diego CA | 858-302-6405 |
| Busy Bee Cook For Me | San Diego CA | 858-405-5372 |
| Herb & Sea | Encinitas CA | 858-587-6601 |
| Joya Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-255-5979 |
| Fish 101 | Encinitas CA | 760-943-6221 |
| Viejas Casino Banquets | Alpine Ca | 619-295-3172 |
| Semola | La Jolla CA | 858-247-9670 |
| Blue Ocean La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-999-4073 |
| Mille Fleurs | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-3085 |
| Mesa College | San Diego CA | 619-388-2240 |
| Bistro du Marche by Tapenade | La Jolla CA | 858-551-7500 |
| ALCE 101 | Solana Beach CA | 619-886-0059 |
| Tartine | Coronado CA | 619-435-4323 |
| Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5500 x207 |
| Et Voilà! French Bistro | San Diego CA | 858-610-8784 |
| Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| Secret Sister | San Diego CA | 619-281-0718 |
| Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
| Shake and Muddle | Chula Vista CA | 619-816-5429 |
| Cocina de Barrio Point Loma | San Diego CA | 858-349-2313 |
| La Clochette Du Coin-Pacific Beach | San Diego CA | 619-402-7911 |
| RoVino Rotisserie + Wine | San Diego CA | 619-972-6286 |
| Cow by Bear | San Diego CA | 415-565-9989 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-380-9840 |
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
| Stone Brewing-Liberty Station | San Diego CA | 619-269-2100 |
| Hash House A Go Go | San Diego CA | 951-764-0605 |
| Glenbrook Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Fairmont Grand Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-314-1975 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Leeks. One
is easiest, three is harder.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.
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Poway Farmers Market
Martinez Farms
Near Poway, California, United StatesNipomo, CA About 30 days ago, 4/16/22 
coop 5 terre
coop 5 terre
Liguria, ItalyVia Colombo, 196, 19017 Riomaggiore SP About 51 days ago, 3/26/22 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 64 days ago, 3/13/22 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Tutti Frutti Organics 
Esentai Gourmet
California, United Statesпроспект Aль-Фараби 77/8, Алматы 050060 About 66 days ago, 3/11/22 Sharer's comments : Leeks at Esentai Gourmet 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 82 days ago, 2/23/22 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Fresno Evergreen 
Leucadia Farmers Market
Near Encinitas, California, United StatesAbout 92 days ago, 2/13/22 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 hancock st SD CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 120 days ago, 1/15/22 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Her Produce at Specialty Produce 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 133 days ago, 1/02/22 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Tutti Frutti Organics 
Scripps Ranch Farmers Market
Golden Heart Family Farms
Near Poway, California, United StatesSan Bernardino, CA About 185 days ago, 11/11/21 
Waitrose & Partners
Waitrose & Partners tenterden
England, United KingdomRecreation Ground Road Sayers Lane 10, Tenterden TN30 6BW, United Kingdom 441580765168 https://waitrose.com About 230 days ago, 9/28/21 
Singh Meadows
Near Tempe, Arizona, United StatesAbout 394 days ago, 4/17/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 423 days ago, 3/19/21 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Fresno Evergreens 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 438 days ago, 3/04/21 Sharer's comments : Bunches leeks from Fresno Evergreens 
zakhfilm micro district, 17/1, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Ecofreshmarket
California, United StatesKazakhfilm micro district, 17/1, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 453 days ago, 2/17/21 Sharer's comments : Leek from China 
University District Farmers Market
Cabrera Farm
Near Seattle, Washington, United States16470 SR 20 Mount Vernon WA About 513 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 StatesAbout 597 days ago, 9/26/20 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tutti Frutti Organic Farm
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesLompac, CA 805-737-7127 About 719 days ago, 5/27/20 Sharer's comments : Fresh Leeks at Tutti Frutti Farms |
