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Produce Briefs...
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.
SalanovaĀ® Lettuces
SalanovaĀ® 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 āflags,ā 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: Scotlandās cock-a-leekie soup and Franceās crĆØme 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 sautĆ©ed in oil or butter to soften or āsweatā 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 āpasty.ā Pasties are considered Cornwallās ānationalā 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. Davidās 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 farmerās 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.
| Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 858-531-8677 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Kappa Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-566-3388 |
| Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Waters Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 x4 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Tartine | Coronado CA | 619-435-4323 |
| Communal Coffee | San Diego CA | 619-920-7887 |
| Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
| Under Belly-Little Italy Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| Rubicon Deli-UTC | San Diego CA | 619-200-4201 |
| Saiko Sushi-North Park | San Diego CA | 619-886-6656 |
| Pandemic Pizza | San Diego CA | 314-397-4234 |
| Patisserie Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-925-7223 |
| Herb & Wood | San Diego CA | 520-205-1288 |
| The Compass | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-1900 |
| Hash House A Go Go | San Diego CA | 951-764-0605 |
| Mostra Coffee (Jenny's Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 760-586-9916 |
| Pete's Premade Paleo | San Diego CA | 770-359-8274 |
| Bishop School | San Diego CA | 858-459-4021 x212 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 808-868-8639 |
| Blue Water Seafood Market and Grill | San Diego CA | 619-497-0914 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-380-9840 |
| Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
| Fish 101 | Encinitas CA | 760-943-6221 |
| Parkhouse Eatery | San Diego CA | 619-295-7275 |
| Thai One On | Carlsbad CA | 760-500-8674 |
| Cucina Enoteca | Del Mar CA | 619-239-2222 |
| Beaumont's | San Diego CA | 858-459-0474 |
| Great Maple Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-255-2282 |
| Michele Coulon Dessertier | San Diego CA | 858-456-5098 |
| La Costa Glen South | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Harumama | San Diego CA | 619-269-7122 |
| Driana Foods, Inc. | Vista CA | 720-979-9457 |
| The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
| Tahona (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Mille Fleurs | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-3085 |
| Panca Peruvian | Oceanside CA | 760-722-3396 |
| Landons East Meets West | San Marcos CA | 760-304-4560 |
| Zinque | San Diego CA | 619-915-6172 |
| Lucky Bolt | San Diego CA | 662-832-3638 |
| Cucina Sorella | San Diego CA | 858-232-7808 |
| Fleming's Steakhouse La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-535-0078 |
| Campfire | Carlsbad CA | |
| Green Acres Campus 2020 | San Diego CA | 858-450-9907 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Blue Ocean La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-999-4073 |
| Fairmont Grand Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-314-1975 |
| Mitch's Seafood | San Diego CA | 619-316-7314 |
| Wheat & Water | La Jolla CA | 858-291-8690 |
| The Field Irish Pub & Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-232-9840 |
| St. Paul's Plaza | Chula Vista CA | 619-788-8570 |
| Isola Pizza Bar | San Diego CA | 619-564-2938 |
| The Joint | San Diego CA | 619-222-8272 |
| Azuki Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-238-4760 |
| Jujus Kitchen | Bonita CA | 619-471-5342 |
| Ki's Kitchen Commissary | VISTA CA | 760-777-0700 |
| Ron Oliver | San Diego | 619-295-3172 |
| Bread & Cie CafƩ | San Diego CA | |
| Farm Fresh Meals | Vista CA | 760-707-2383 |
| Harumama Carlsbad | Carlsbad CA | 858-999-4073 |
| Barbarella La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-7373 |
| Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5500 x207 |
| Addison Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-350-7600 |
| Peace Pies | San Diego CA | 619-618-6960 |
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 858-208-9422 |
| Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
| Olive Tree Marketplace | San Diego CA | 619-224-0443 |
| Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill | Vista CA | 760-509-4424 |
| Black Raill Kitchen + Bar | Carlsbad CA | 619-454-9182 |
| Bahia Resort Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-488-0551 |
| Fish 101 Cardiff | Cardiff CA | 619-753-7139 |
| Oliver & Rose | San Diego CA | 619-300-3395 |
| The Haven | San Diego CA | 619-964-3778 |
| Blue Water Seafood Ocean Beach | San Diego CA | 619-308-6500 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Eclipse Chocolate | San Diego CA | 619-831-5170 |
| La Costa Glen North | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1436 |
| Bistro du Marche by Tapenade | La Jolla CA | 858-551-7500 |
| Oscars Brewing Company | Temecula CA | 619-695-2422 |
| Rubicon Deli India Street | San Diego CA | 619-200-4201 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| The Farm Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-5585 |
| Pop Pie Co. | San Diego CA | 619-414-8495 |
| Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
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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University District Farmers Market
Cabrera Farm
Near Seattle, Washington, United States16470 SR 20 Mount Vernon WA About 36 days ago, 12/19/20 Sharer's comments : Will sautƩ 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 120 days ago, 9/26/20 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tutti Frutti Organic Farm
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesLompac, CA 805-737-7127 About 242 days ago, 5/27/20 Sharer's comments : Fresh Leeks at Tutti Frutti Farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 270 days ago, 4/29/20 
Ground Works Organics
Ground Works Organics
Near Eugene, Oregon, United States150 Shelton Mcmurphey Blvd Eugene OR. 97401 541-431-4023 https://www.lanecountyfarmersmarket.org About 323 days ago, 3/07/20 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tutti Frutti Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesLompoc,CA 1-805-218-6122 About 326 days ago, 3/04/20 Sharer's comments : Leeks are happening 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Her Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesFresno, CA 559-313-6676 About 333 days ago, 2/26/20 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tutti Frutti Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesLompoc, CA 1-805-218-6122 About 431 days ago, 11/20/19 Sharer's comments : Leeks!! 
Rungis
Near Zwijndrecht, South Holland, NetherlandsAbout 447 days ago, 11/04/19 Sharer's comments : Great time for a leek soup, thank you Rungis! 
Browns Valley Market
Browns Valley Market
Near Napa, California, United States3263 Browns Valley Road Napa CA 94558 707-253-1873 About 541 days ago, 8/02/19 Sharer's comments : Organics 
Lucky
Lucky - Lakeview Hwy
Near Petaluma, California, United States929 Lakeville Highway Petaluma CA 94952 707-762-8783 About 551 days ago, 7/23/19 
Petaluma Market
Petaluma Market
Near Petaluma, California, United States210 Western Ave Petaluma CA 94952 707-762-5464 About 551 days ago, 7/23/19 
Nugget Market
Nugget Markets
Near Novato, California, United States470 Ignacio Blvd Novato CA 94949 415-883-4600 About 552 days ago, 7/22/19 
Luke's Local
Lukeās Local
Near San Francisco, California, United States960 Cole Street San Francisco CA 94117 415-742-4207 About 562 days ago, 7/12/19 
Takashimaya Department Store Food Hall and Market
Takashimaya Basement Food Hall
Near Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan035-361-1111 About 569 days ago, 7/04/19 Sharer's comments : Takashimaya Food Hall and Market source fruits and vegetables grown in Japan and abroad. 
Takashimaya Food Hall and Market
Takashimaya Basement Food Hall
Near Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan035-361-1111 About 570 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 577 days ago, 6/27/19 Sharer's comments : Leeks locally grownš¬š· 
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market - Cresent Drive
Near Beverly Hills, California, United States239 N Cresent Drive Beverly Hills CA 90210 310-274-3360 About 581 days ago, 6/23/19 
Stater Bros. Markets
Stater Bros. Markets - Newport Blvd.
Near Costa Mesa, California, United States2180 Newport Blvd. Costa Mesa CA 92627 949-646-2324 About 583 days ago, 6/21/19 
Mitsuwa Marketplace
Mitsuwa Marketplace - Costa Mesa
Near South Coast Metro, California, United States665 Paularino Ave. Costa Mesa CA 92626 714-557-6699 About 583 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 626 days ago, 5/09/19 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Netherlands š³š± 
Central Markets & Fisheries Organization S.A. / Farmers Market
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceTzon Kennenti, Agios Ioannis Rentis https://www.okaa.gr/ About 649 days ago, 4/16/19 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Holland āØ 
West Seattle Farmers Market
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesAbout 672 days ago, 3/24/19 Sharer's comments : Warm, nurturing potato leek soup hits the spot on any cool spring night ;) 
University District Farmers Market
Cabrera Farm
Near Seattle, Washington, United States16470 SR 20, Mount Vernon About 701 days ago, 2/23/19 Sharer's comments : Leeks spotted at University District Farmers Market. Delightful sauteed with prosciutto and figs on pizza! |
