




Leeks
Inventory, 12 ct : 23.54
This item was last sold on : 02/04/23
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.
Kingfisher | San Diego CA | 619-861-8074 |
Cocina De Barrio | San Diego CA | 760-840-1129 |
Il Giardino di Lilli | La Jolla CA | 619-467-9897 |
Tom Hams Light House | San Diego CA | 619-291-9110 |
Blue Water Seafood Market and Grill | San Diego CA | 619-497-0914 |
Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
Ki's Kitchen Commissary | VISTA CA | 760-777-0700 |
Tahona (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
Trust Restaurant | San Diego CA | 609-780-7572 |
Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
Madera Kitchen of Mexico | Vista CA | 760-784-1224 |
James Coffee Co. Escondido | Escondido CA | 619-961-5805 |
Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill | Vista CA | 760-509-4424 |
Wine Vault & Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-295-3939 |
InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
La Costa Glen South | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
Fish 101 Cardiff | Cardiff CA | 619-753-7139 |
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District | El Cajon CA | 619-644-7585 |
Campfire | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5121 |
Herb & Sea | Encinitas CA | 858-587-6601 |
Third Corner Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 619-417-9251 |
Mission Pacific | Oceanside CA | 760-450-7864 |
Storyhouse Spirits | San Diego CA | 801-949-5955 |
RoVino Rotisserie + Wine | San Diego CA | 619-972-6286 |
Boss Bird Kitchen | La Mesa CA | 858-566-9191 |
Marriott Marina Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-234-1500 x6113 |
My Five Star Chef | La Jolla CA | 619-890-1159 |
Giaola | Carlsbad CA | 858-266-9303 |
Harvest Kitchen | Vista CA | 619-709-0938 |
Harumama Noodles & Buns (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 858-886-9909 |
Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
Herb & Wood | San Diego CA | 520-205-1288 |
Bellamy's Restaurant | Escondido CA | 760-747-5000 |
Callie | San Diego CA | 619-947-9036 |
Oyster and Pearl Bar Restaurant | La Mesa CA | 619-303-8118 |
Starlite Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-358-9766 |
Blue Ocean La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-999-0323 |
The Farm Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-5585 |
Southwestern Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-222-0438 |
Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
Tribute Pizza | San Diego CA | 858-220-0030 |
Isola La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-412-5566 |
Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
Saiko Sushi-North Park | San Diego CA | 619-886-6656 |
Qero | Encinitas CA | 702-334-8845 |
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-761-1269 |
The Haven | San Diego CA | 619-964-3778 |
Bread & Cie Café | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
Born & Raised (Events) | San Diego CA | 619-550-5412 |
Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
Addison Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-350-7600 |
San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
Yoann Taboyan, Personal Chef | San Diego CA | 347-277-1958 |
Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
Isola Pizza Bar | San Diego CA | 619-564-2938 |
Wolfies Carousel | San Diego CA | 909-477-1291 |
The Joint | San Diego CA | 619-222-8272 |
Darshan Bakery (Del Mar) | Del Mar CA | 858-925-7223 |
Lumi | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
Zinque | San Diego CA | 559-281-2485 |
Kitchens For Good | San Diego CA | 619-450-4040 |
Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
Known Spoilage | ||
Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 858-208-9422 |
The Kitchen at MCASD | La Jolla CA | 619-894-2051 |
La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
The Cork and Craft | San Diego CA | 858-618-2463 |
Hilton Garden Inn - Homewood Suites San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-696-6300 |
Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
Cocina de Barrio Point Loma | San Diego CA | 858-349-2313 |
Amalfi Gourmet LLC | San Diego CA | 619-379-3099 |
Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-944-1631 |
Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
Mister A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
Wayfarer Bread | La Jolla CA | 805-709-0964 |
Dolce Pane & Vino | Del Mar CA | 858-832-1518 |
Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
Black Radish | San Diego CA | 619-775-7412 |
Sepulveda Meats & Provisions | San Diego CA | 619-501-1878 |
Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
Kappa Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-566-3388 |
Brockton Villa Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-454-7393 |
Ridgeview Health Center | San Diego CA | 858-293-3950 |
Great Maple Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-255-2282 |
Peohes | Coronado CA | 619-437-4474 |
Paradisaea Restaurant | La Jolla CA | 732-915-6669 |
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-380-9840 |
Shakespeare's Corner Shoppe & Afternoon Tea | San Diego CA | 619-683-2748 |
Feast and Fareway | Coronado CA | 619-356-5444 |
Mitch's Seafood | San Diego CA | 619-316-7314 |
Harumama Teriyaki & Bao | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5737 |
Glenbrook Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
Neighborhood Burger | San Diego CA | 619-446-0002 |
The Lab Restaurant | Oceanside CA | 619-861-8299 |
Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
Alejandra's Cocina | Carlsbad CA | 858-500-5075 |
US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
264 Fresco (Kitchen) | Carlsbad CA | 760-720-3737 |
Parkhouse Eatery | San Diego CA | 619-295-7275 |
Full Moon | San Diego CA | 619-233-3711 |
Craft House Sky Deck | San Diego CA | 619-948-4458 |
Woods Kitchen Foods | San Diego CA | 619-719-6924 |
Brigantine Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1166 |
Huntress | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
ALCE 101 | Solana Beach CA | 619-885-8075 |
The Smoking Goat | San Diego CA | 858-232-4220 |
Jack Monaco Creative Consulting | San Diego CA | 619-318-2633 |
Catering By Felicia G. | San Diego CA | 619-742-4747 |
Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
Farmer and The Seahorse | San Diego CA | 619-302-3682 |
La Costa Resort & Spa Main Kitchen | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
The Field Irish Pub & Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-232-9840 |
Harumama Sushi & Ramen (Ocean Beach) | San Diego CA | 858-886-9909 |
Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
Avant | San Diego CA | 858-675-8505 |
Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
Izakaya Maize/Rabih Sus | La Mesa CA | 619-395-6383 |
Ju-Ichi | San Diego CA | 619-800-2203 |
The Wild Thyme Company | San Diego CA | 858-527-0226 |
Hash House A Go Go | San Diego CA | 951-764-0605 |
Little Lion | San Diego CA | 619-519-4079 |
Barbarella La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-7373 |
Mesa Agricola | Carlsbad CA | 707-758-6650 |
Vi At La Jolla Village | San Diego CA | 858-646-7700 |
Black Raill Kitchen + Bar | Carlsbad CA | 619-454-9182 |
Harumama (Little Italy) | San Diego CA | 619-269-7122 |
Belching Beaver Brewery - Pub 980 | Vista CA | 760-420-7764 |
Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
Darshan Bakery (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 858-925-7223 |
Common Theory | San Diego CA | 858-384-7974 |
Nick & G's Restaurant | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-771-1871 |
Peace Pies | San Diego CA | 619-618-6960 |
Azuki Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-238-4760 |
Wonderland Ocean Pub | San Diego CA | 619-255-3358 |
Asti Ristorante | San Diego CA | 619-232-8844 |
Barleymash | San Diego CA | 619-276-6700 x304 |
Et Voilà! French Bistro | San Diego CA | 858-610-8784 |
Coya Peruvian Secret | Del Mar CA | 619-295-3172 |
Ballast Point Rest. - Miramar | San Diego CA | 858-790-6900 |
Wormwood | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
The Compass | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-1900 |
La Costa Glen North | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1436 |
Pizza Cassette | San Diego CA | 802-310-5601 |
Fish 101 | Encinitas CA | 760-943-6221 |
Il Sogno Italiano | San Diego CA | 619-380-2652 |
Bistro du Marche by Tapenade | La Jolla CA | 858-551-7500 |
Little Frenchie | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
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.
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Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 9 days ago, 1/28/23 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Tutti-frutti Organics ![]() ![]()
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 9 days ago, 1/28/23 ![]() ![]()
Whole Foods Market
Near Upper Woburn PlaceEuston Road (Stop L), United Kingdom49 Parkway, London NW1 7PN, United Kingdom About 12 days ago, 1/25/23 ![]() ![]()
Her Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 12 days ago, 1/25/23 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Her Produce ![]() ![]()
Marks and Spencer
Near Upper Woburn PlaceEuston Road (Stop L), United Kingdom5 Liverpool Rd, London N1 0RR, United Kingdom About 28 days ago, 1/09/23 ![]() ![]()
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 30 days ago, 1/07/23 ![]() ![]()
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 30 days ago, 1/07/23 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Fresno Evergreen ![]() ![]()
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 47 days ago, 12/21/22 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Fresno Evergreen ![]() ![]()
Martinez Farms
Near Poway, California, United StatesNipomo, CA About 72 days ago, 11/26/22 ![]() ![]()
Finley Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 75 days ago, 11/23/22 ![]() ![]()
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 78 days ago, 11/20/22 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Tutti Frutti Organics ![]() ![]()
Ecofreshmarket
California, United StatesKazakhfilm microdistrict, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 80 days ago, 11/18/22 Sharer's comments : Leeks of Almaty region, Kazakhstan ![]() ![]()
Martinez Farms
Near Rancho Santa Fe, California, United StatesNipomo, CA About 120 days ago, 10/09/22 ![]() ![]()
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 176 days ago, 8/14/22 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Tutti Frutti Organics ![]() ![]()
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 183 days ago, 8/07/22 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Tutti Frutti Organics ![]() ![]() About 200 days ago, 7/21/22 ![]() ![]() About 211 days ago, 7/10/22 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Schaner Farms ![]() ![]() About 245 days ago, 6/06/22 ![]() ![]()
Gaytan Family Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesRiverside, CA About 254 days ago, 5/28/22 ![]() ![]()
Martinez Farms
Near Poway, California, United StatesNipomo, CA About 296 days ago, 4/16/22 ![]() ![]()
coop 5 terre
Liguria, ItalyVia Colombo, 196, 19017 Riomaggiore SP About 317 days ago, 3/26/22 ![]() ![]() About 330 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 332 days ago, 3/11/22 Sharer's comments : Leeks at Esentai Gourmet ![]() ![]()
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 348 days ago, 2/23/22 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Fresno Evergreen ![]() ![]() About 358 days ago, 2/13/22 ![]() ![]()
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 hancock st SD CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 387 days ago, 1/15/22 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Her Produce at Specialty Produce ![]() ![]() About 400 days ago, 1/02/22 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Tutti Frutti Organics ![]() ![]()
Golden Heart Family Farms
Near Poway, California, United StatesSan Bernardino, CA About 451 days ago, 11/11/21 ![]() ![]()
Waitrose & Partners tenterden
England, United KingdomRecreation Ground Road Sayers Lane 10, Tenterden TN30 6BW, United Kingdom 441580765168 https://waitrose.com About 496 days ago, 9/28/21 ![]() About 660 days ago, 4/17/21 ![]() ![]() About 689 days ago, 3/19/21 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Fresno Evergreens ![]() ![]() About 704 days ago, 3/04/21 Sharer's comments : Bunches leeks from Fresno Evergreens ![]() ![]()
Ecofreshmarket
California, United StatesKazakhfilm micro district, 17/1, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 719 days ago, 2/17/21 Sharer's comments : Leek from China |