Specialty Produce's app

... and in iTunes

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.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.

Leeks

Inventory, 12 ct : 56.34
This item was last sold on : 07/22/21

• 132 Featured Restaurants

• 64 Recipe Ideas

• 14 Sharess

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
Blue Water Seafood Market and Grill	San Diego CA	619-497-0914
Oyster and Pearl Bar Restaurant	La Mesa CA	619-303-8118
Bistro du Marche by Tapenade	La Jolla CA	858-551-7500
Communal Coffee	San Diego CA
Pacifica Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-792-0505
La Jolla Country Club	San Diego CA	858-454-9601
Lodge at Torrey Pines Main	San Diego CA	858-453-4420
San Diego Yacht Club	San Diego CA	619-758-6334
Fishery	San Diego CA	858-272-9985
Coast Catering	Escondido CA	619-295-3173
Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill	Vista CA	760-509-4424
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla	San Diego CA	808-868-8639
Fish 101	Encinitas CA	760-943-6221
Hash House A Go Go	San Diego CA	951-764-0605
Huntress	San Diego CA	619-955-5750
Born & Raised	San Diego CA	619-944-1631
The Glen at Scripps Ranch	San Diego CA	858-444-8500
insideOUT	San Diego CA	619-888-8623
InterContinental Vistal Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-501-9400

the other 112...

Animae	San Diego CA	619-925-7908
Ju-Ichi	San Diego CA	619-800-2203
Pop Pie Co. (Kitchen)	San Diego CA	619-414-8495
Isola Pizza Bar	San Diego CA	619-564-2938
Farmers Bottega	San Diego CA	619-306-8963
Cal A Vie	Vista CA	760-945-2055
Lauberge Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-259-1515
Under Belly-Little Italy Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-269-4626
Neighborhood Burger	San Diego CA	619-446-0002
Harumama Carlsbad	Carlsbad CA	858-999-4073
Little Frenchie	Coronado CA	619-522-6890
Toast Catering	San Diego CA	858-208-9422
University Club	San Diego CA	619-234-5200
Rubicon Deli India Street	San Diego CA	619-200-4201
La Costa Glen South	Carlsbad CA	760-704-1000
Campfire	Carlsbad CA	760-637-5121
Lumi	San Diego CA	619-955-5750
Searcher	San Diego CA	619-226-2403
Addison Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-350-7600
Carte Blanche Bistro & Bar	Oceanside CA	619-297-3100
Claudia's Cocina	San Diego CA	855-444-3732
Asti Ristorante	San Diego CA	619-232-8844
Kitchens For Good	San Diego CA	619-450-4040
Jake's Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-755-2002
Kappa Sushi	San Diego CA	858-566-3388
The Haven	San Diego CA	619-964-3778
Siamo Napoli	San Diego CA	619-300-4810
La Costa Resort & Spa Main Kitchen	Carlsbad CA	760-930-7063
Lucky Bolt	San Diego CA	662-832-3638
Chateau Lake San Marcos	San Marcos CA	760-670-5807
Third Corner Ocean Beach	San Diego CA	619-223-2700
Glenbrook Health Center	Carlsbad CA	760-704-1000
Saiko Sushi-North Park	San Diego CA	619-886-6656
Mr A's	San Diego CA	619-239-1377
Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-759-6063
Fairmont Grand Del Mar	San Diego CA	858-314-1975
Bread & Cie Bakery	San Diego CA	619-688-1788
Carmel Mountain Ranch Country Club	San Diego CA	760-583-9237
Barbarella La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-454-7373
Bread & Cie Café	San Diego CA
The Wild Thyme Company	San Diego CA	858-527-0226
Mesa College	San Diego CA	619-388-2240
Fleming's Steakhouse La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-535-0078
Tahona (Kitchen)	San Diego CA	619-573-0289
Avant	San Diego CA	858-675-8505
The Shores	La Jolla CA	858-459-8271
Beeside Balcony	Del Mar CA	858-880-8105
Terra Restaurant	San Diego CA	619-293-7088
Crown Point Catering	San Diego CA	619-223-1211
Bekker's Catering	San Diego CA	619-287-9027
Farm Fresh Meals	San Diego CA	760-707-2383
Rubicon Deli-UTC	San Diego CA	619-200-4201
C 2 C	San Diego CA	619-972-9345
Black Raill Kitchen + Bar	Carlsbad CA	619-454-9182
La Costa Glen North	Carlsbad CA	760-704-1436
Harumama	San Diego CA	619-269-7122
RoVino Rotisserie + Wine	San Diego CA	619-972-6286
Miho (Production)	San Diego CA	619-867-4295
Alila Marea Beach Resort	Encinitas CA	805-539-9719
Shake and Muddle	Chula Vista CA	619-816-5429
Waters Catering	San Diego CA	619-276-8803 x4
Tartine	Coronado CA	619-435-4323
Viejas Casino Baron Long's	Alpine CA	619-863-9033
Wheat & Water	La Jolla CA	858-291-8690
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest	San Diego CA	619-380-9840
Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC	San Marcos CA	508-320-6644
Seneca	San Diego CA	619-588-2411
Urban Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-239-2222
Peace Pies	San Diego CA	619-618-6960
Swagyu Chop Shop-PB	San Diego CA	858-758-0357
Pendry SD (Lion Fish)	San Diego CA	619-738-7000
Four Seasons Residence Club	Carlsbad CA	760-603-6360
Jeune Et Jolie	Carlsbad CA	858-231-0862
Rancho Valencia	Del Mar CA	858-756-1123
Wrench and Rodent	Oceanside CA	760-840-1976
Blue Ocean La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-999-4073
Azuki Sushi Lounge	San Diego CA	619-238-4760
ALCE 101	Solana Beach CA	619-886-0059
Full Moon	San Diego CA	619-233-3711
Mitch's Seafood	San Diego CA	619-316-7314
Juniper & Ivy	San Diego CA	858-481-3666
Belching Beaver Brewery - Pub 980	Vista CA	760-420-7764
US Grant Hotel Grill	San Diego CA	619-232-3121
Cutwater Spirits	San Diego CA	619-672-3848
Vista Valley	Vista CA	760-758-2800
The Field Irish Pub & Restaurant	San Diego CA	619-232-9840
Et Voilà! French Bistro	San Diego CA	858-610-8784
Craft House Sky Deck	San Diego CA	619-948-4458
The Farm Golf Club	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-756-5585
The Monsaraz	San Diego CA	858-760-6228
Darshan Bakery (Del Mar)	Del Mar CA	858-925-7223
Wonderland Ocean Pub	San Diego CA	619-255-3358
Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20)	Carlsbad CA	760-827-2400
InterContinental Banquet Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-501-9400
Brockton Villa Restaurant	San Diego CA	858-454-7393
Tomahawk Sportfishing	San Diego CA	619-909-6079
Pamplemousse Grill	Solana Beach CA	858-792-9090
Green Acres Campus 2020	San Diego CA	858-450-9907
Zizikis	San Diego CA	972-567-2396
Coya Peruvian Secret	Del Mar CA	619-295-3172
Pete's Premade Paleo	San Diego CA	770-359-8274
Morning Glory	San Diego CA	619-629-0302
Cocina De Barrio	San Diego CA	760-840-1129
Mille Fleurs	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-756-3085
Marriott Marina Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-234-1500 x6113
The Joint	San Diego CA	619-222-8272
Fish 101 Cardiff	Cardiff CA	619-753-7139
Miho	San Diego CA	619-365-5655
Tom Hams Light House	San Diego CA	619-291-9110
Blue Water Seafood Ocean Beach	San Diego CA	619-308-6500
Open Gym-Craft Meals	San Diego CA	619-799-3675
The Lab	San Diego CA	619-977-1245

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Leeks. One

is easiest, three is harder.

My Kids Lick The Bowl		Chicken and Leek Baked Risotto
Bowl of Delicious		Leek and Gruyere Grilled Cheese
Our Salty Kitchen		Braised Leeks with Poached Eggs
From A Chef's Kitchen		Cream of Asparagus and Leek Soup with Curry
80 Breakfasts		Pan Seared Salmon with Creamy Leeks
Life Made Simple		Spring Pea Soup with Leeks and Lentils
The Harvest Kitchen		Simple Spinach, Leek & Onion Frittata
Berlin & Coconuts		Leek & Ricotta Quiche
Rooting the Sun		Braised Leeks, White Beans, Black Olives & Dilled Breadcrumbs
Tasty Yummies		SautÃ©ed Green Beans with Mushrooms and Caramelized Leeks

the other 54...

Rawmazing		Leek Polenta with Roasted Chanterelle Mushrooms
Yes, More Please		Leek, Potato & Goat Cheese Tarte Tatin
The Harvest Kitchen		French Potage
Diary of a Tomato		Porri al Forno (Leeks Baked in Cream)
Minimalist Baker		Mushroom and Leek Risotto
I'd Rather Be A Chef		Creamed Leeks
The Magical Slow Cooker		Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Leek Soup
My New Roots		Lemony Leeks with Chickpeas and Feta
Red and Honey		Gratineed Leeks
The Foodie Physician		Mini Spring Vegetable Quiches
An Opera Singer in the Kitchen		Sun-dried Tomato and Leek Quiche
Contentedness Cooking		Leek & Potato Soup
Little Broken		Creamy Roasted Tomato and Basil Soup
101 Cookbooks		Leek Soup with Dill Oil
Umami Girl		Braised Chicken Thighs with White Wine, Leeks and Mushrooms
Contentedness Cooking		Leek and Potato Soup
Wall Flower Kitchen		Creamy Leek & Mushroom Pie
Natasha's Kitchen		Creamy Mushroom and Leek Pasta
The Wooden Skillet		Creamy Leeks Recipe + Black Trumpet Mushrooms
Porcini Chronicles		Minestrone With Fresh Borlotti Beans and Farro
Salt and Pepper Skillet		Braised Leeks with Tomato Vinaigrette
A Beautiful Plate		Creamy Leek & Pancetta Pappardelle
My Kids Lick The Bowl		Chicken and Leek Baked Risotto
My Kids Lick The Bowl		Wholemeal Yoghurt Dough Scrolls
Radiate Food Vibes		Vegan Veggie Pizza
nodesserts		Leek, Potato and Zucchini Hot Cakes
Pinch My Salt		Kâ€™s Potato Leek Soup
Simply So Healthy		Low-Carb "Potato" Leek Soup
West Coast Kitchen & Garden		Easy and Delicious Fiddlehead and Farmhouse Cheddar Tart
The Pretty Bee		Creamy Potato Leek Soup
Cilantro & Citronella		Vegan Vichyssoise
Foodie Crush		Creamy Mushroom and Leek Chicken
Taste and Tell		Alsatian Potato Pie
Ahead of Thyme		Skinny Creamy Artichoke Soup
Nyssa's Kitchen		Creamy Potato and Parsley Soup
Sprinkles and Sprouts		Saffron and Leek Risotto â€“ Served 2 Ways
Give Recipe		Oven-Baked Leek Frittata
Recipe		Apple, Bacon, and Leek Bread Pudding
Honest Food dot Net		Sichuan Stir-Fried Puffballs
Baked Greens		Curry Roasted Carnival Squash, Carrots & Leeks
Just a Little Bit of Bacon		Orecchiette Pasta With Leeks, Pancetta, And Corn Crema
Minimalist Baker		Mushroom & Leek Risotto
White on Rice Couple		Broiled Leeks with Fresh Apple Vinaigrette for Fall Fest
Field & Forest Products		Wine Cap Mushroom Soup
Our Salty Kitchen		Ricotta Pasta with Peas and Leeks
Baking Me Crazy		Paleo Creamy Potato Leek Soup
From A Chef's Kitchen		Green Minestrone with Radish Greens Pesto
Garlic & Zest		Fennel and Leek Soup with Mushrooms
The First Mess		Leek, Fennel, Apple & Walnut Soup with Turmeric
Radiate Food Vibes		White Bean & Spinach Veggie Balls
Life Made Simple		Leek and Potato Gratin
The Busy Baker		Crock Pot Potato Bacon Leek Soup
Frugal Feeding		Chicken and Leek Pasties
Almond To Zest		Caramelized Leek, Brie & Ham Quiche

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.

Singh Meadows Near Tempe, Arizona, United States
About 98 days ago, 4/17/21

Specialty Produce

Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock Street San Diego CA 92110
619-295-3172

https://specialtyproduce.com

Near San Diego, California, United States
About 127 days ago, 3/19/21
Sharer's comments : Leeks from Fresno Evergreens

Specialty Produce

Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock Street San Diego CA 92110
619-295-3172

https://specialtyproduce.com

Near San Diego, California, United States
About 142 days ago, 3/04/21
Sharer's comments : Bunches leeks from Fresno Evergreens

zakhfilm micro district, 17/1, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Ecofreshmarket
Kazakhfilm micro district, 17/1, Almaty, Kazakhstan

California, United States
About 157 days ago, 2/17/21
Sharer's comments : Leek from China

University District Farmers Market

Cabrera Farm
16470 SR 20 Mount Vernon WA

Near Seattle, Washington, United States
About 216 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 States
About 301 days ago, 9/26/20

Santa Monica Farmers Market

Tutti Frutti Organic Farm
Lompac, CA
805-737-7127

Near Santa Monica, California, United States
About 423 days ago, 5/27/20
Sharer's comments : Fresh Leeks at Tutti Frutti Farms

Santa Monica Farmers Market

Tutti Frutti Organic Farm
Lompac, CA
805-737-7127

https://tuttifruttifarms.com

Near Santa Monica, California, United States
About 451 days ago, 4/29/20

Ground Works Organics

Ground Works Organics
150 Shelton Mcmurphey Blvd Eugene OR. 97401
541-431-4023
https://www.lanecountyfarmersmarket.org

Near Eugene, Oregon, United States
About 504 days ago, 3/07/20

Santa Monica Farmers Market

Tutti Frutti Farms
Lompoc,CA
1-805-218-6122

Near Santa Monica, California, United States
About 507 days ago, 3/04/20
Sharer's comments : Leeks are happening

Santa Monica Farmers Market

Her Produce
Fresno, CA
559-313-6676

Near Santa Monica, California, United States
About 514 days ago, 2/26/20

Santa Monica Farmers Market

Tutti Frutti Farms
Lompoc, CA
1-805-218-6122

Near Santa Monica, California, United States
About 612 days ago, 11/20/19
Sharer's comments : Leeks!!

Rungis

Rungis
Transportweg 34, 2991 LV Barendrecht
0310180617899
https://www.rungis.NL

Near Zwijndrecht, South Holland, Netherlands
About 628 days ago, 11/04/19
Sharer's comments : Great time for a leek soup, thank you Rungis!

Browns Valley Market

Browns Valley Market
3263 Browns Valley Road Napa CA 94558
707-253-1873

Near Napa, California, United States
About 722 days ago, 8/02/19
Sharer's comments : Organics