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Leeks
Inventory, 12 ct : 57.34
This item was last sold on : 05/30/23
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.
| Catania La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-551-5105 |
| Wonderland Ocean Pub | San Diego CA | 619-255-3358 |
| The Wild Thyme Company | San Diego CA | 858-527-0226 |
| Bread & Cie Café | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
| Azucar | San Diego CA | 619-523-2020 |
| Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 508-320-6644 |
| The Field Irish Pub & Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-232-9840 |
| Michele Coulon Dessertier | San Diego CA | 858-456-5098 |
| Hilton Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-5200 x4234 |
| ALCE 101 | Solana Beach CA | 619-885-8075 |
| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
| Hotel La Jolla & CUSP -CLK | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0261 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-761-1269 |
| The Kitchen at MCASD | La Jolla CA | 619-894-2051 |
| Harumama Sushi & Ramen (Ocean Beach) | San Diego CA | 858-886-9909 |
| Little Lion | San Diego CA | 619-519-4079 |
| Blue Ocean La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-999-0323 |
| La Costa Resort & Spa Main Kitchen | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
| C 2 C | San Diego CA | 619-972-9345 |
| The Haven | San Diego CA | 619-964-3778 |
| La Costa Glen South | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| The Compass | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-1900 |
| Farm Fresh Meals | Vista CA | 760-707-2383 |
| Olivewood Gardens -Donation | National City CA | 619-434-4281 |
| Alejandra's Cocina | Carlsbad CA | 858-500-5075 |
| Cocina de Barrio Point Loma | San Diego CA | 858-349-2313 |
| The Remy | San Diego CA | 619-886-1358 |
| The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
| Kitchens For Good | San Diego CA | 619-450-4040 |
| Kappa Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-566-3388 |
| Bistro du Marche by Tapenade | La Jolla CA | 858-551-7500 |
| Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
| Campfire | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5121 |
| Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Sycuan Casino | El Cajon CA | 619-445-6002 |
| Eddie V's Prime Seafood - EV# 8514 | San Diego CA | 619-615-0281 |
| Il Giardino di Lilli | La Jolla CA | 619-467-9897 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-380-9840 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Harumama Noodles & Buns (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 858-886-9909 |
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
| Bleu Boheme | San Diego CA | 619-255-4167 |
| Saiko Sushi-North Park | San Diego CA | 619-886-6656 |
| Eddie V's La Jolla - EV# 8511 | La Jolla CA | 858-459-5500 |
| Green Dragon Tavern & Museum | Carlsbad CA | 760-797-5579 |
| Wolfies Carousel | San Diego CA | 909-477-1291 |
| Salt & Whiskey | San Diego CA | 619-544-1886 |
| Common Stock | San Diego CA | 805-638-8367 |
| Gravity Heights Restaurant and Brewery | San Diego CA | 858-551-5105 |
| The Pearl Hotel | San Diego CA | 877-732-7573 |
| Full Moon | San Diego CA | 619-233-3711 |
| Cliffhanger Cafe Menu | San Diego CA | 858-452-9858 |
| Pippo Pasta | La Jolla CA | 858-412-3432 |
| Isola La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-412-5566 |
| Glenbrook Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Neighborhood Burger | San Diego CA | 619-446-0002 |
| Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-944-1631 |
| Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
| Mister A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| The Market by Buon Appetito | San Diego CA | 619-237-1335 |
| Wine Vault & Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-295-3939 |
| Bahia Resort Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-488-0551 |
| Stone Brewing-Liberty Station | San Diego CA | 619-269-2100 |
| Bellamy's Restaurant | Escondido CA | 760-747-5000 |
| Et Voilà! French Bistro | San Diego CA | 858-610-8784 |
| Humphery's | San Diego CA | 619-224-3577 |
| Belching Beaver Brewery - Pub 980 | Vista CA | 760-420-7764 |
| The Lab Restaurant | Oceanside CA | 619-861-8299 |
| Harumama (Little Italy) | San Diego CA | 619-269-7122 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Darshan Bakery (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 858-925-7223 |
| Hash House A Go Go | San Diego CA | 951-764-0605 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| Wormwood | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Crudo Cevicheria & Oyster Bar | San Diego CA | 619-313-9127 |
| Mabel's Gone Fishing | San Diego CA | 619-228-9851 |
| Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
| Coya Peruvian Secret | Del Mar CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5500 x207 |
| Peace Pies | San Diego CA | 619-618-6960 |
| Carte Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-365-1858 |
| Tahona (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| The Guild Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Huntress | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Lumi | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Southwestern Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-222-0438 |
| Brockton Villa Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-454-7393 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
| Harumama Noodles & Buns (Carlsbad) | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5737 |
| Mermaids & Cowboys | La Jolla CA | 858-999-0205 |
| La Costa Glen North | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1436 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| Parkhouse Eatery | San Diego CA | 619 295 7275 |
| Giaola | Carlsbad CA | 858-266-9303 |
| James Coffee Co. Escondido | Escondido CA | 619-961-5805 |
| Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering | San Diego CA | 619-838-8268 |
| Nick & G's Restaurant | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-771-1871 |
| Fairmont Grand Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-314-1975 |
| Little Frenchie | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Peohes | Coronado CA | 619-437-4474 |
| Herb & Sea | Encinitas CA | 858-587-6601 |
| Darshan Bakery (Del Mar) | Del Mar CA | 858-925-7223 |
| Cocina De Barrio | San Diego CA | 760-840-1129 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Barbarella La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-7373 |
| Tom Hams Light House | San Diego CA | 619-291-9110 |
| Mitch's Seafood | San Diego CA | 619-316-7314 |
| Fish 101 | Encinitas CA | 760-943-6221 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Fish 101 Cardiff | Cardiff CA | 619-753-7139 |
| allmine | Oceanside CA | 760-966-6888 |
| Polaris Supreme | San Diego CA | 619-390-7890 |
| Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill | Vista CA | 760-509-4424 |
| Morning Glory | San Diego CA | 619-629-0302 |
| Kingfisher | San Diego CA | 619-861-8074 |
| RoVino Rotisserie + Wine | San Diego CA | 619-972-6286 |
| Chef Lance Roll | Vista CA | 760-685-2433 |
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 858-208-9422 |
| Herb & Wood | San Diego CA | 520-205-1288 |
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
| Eclipse Chocolate | San Diego CA | 619-831-5170 |
| Luce | San Diego CA | 619-275-2094 |
| Azuki Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-238-4760 |
| Avant | San Diego CA | 858-675-8505 |
| The Smoking Goat | San Diego CA | 858-232-4220 |
| Isola Pizza Bar | San Diego CA | 619-564-2938 |
| Crown Point Catering | San Diego CA | 619-223-1211 |
| Addison Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-350-7600 |
| Ju-Ichi | San Diego CA | 619-800-2203 |
| Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District | El Cajon CA | 619-644-7585 |
| Vista Valley | Vista CA | 760-758-2800 |
| On the Crawl Concepts-Inland Tavern | San Marcos CA | 760-744-8782 |
| The Handmade Chef Meal Prep Co. | San Diego CA | 619-368-3705 |
| Town & Country San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-291-7131 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
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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Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 19 days ago, 5/13/23 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Fresno Evergreen 
Mar Vista Farmers Market
Tamai Family Farms
Near Venice, California, United StatesAbout 39 days ago, 4/23/23 
Venice Farmers Market
Smith farms
Near Venice, California, United StatesAbout 76 days ago, 3/17/23 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 82 days ago, 3/11/23 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Her Produce 
Rancho Santa Fe Farmers Market
Near Fairbanks Ranch, California, United StatesAbout 95 days ago, 2/26/23 Sharer's comments : At Antonio Farm 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Her Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 99 days ago, 2/22/23 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Her Produce 
Del Mar Farmers Market
Near Del Mar, California, United StatesAbout 110 days ago, 2/11/23 Sharer's comments : At Antonio Farm 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Her Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 113 days ago, 2/08/23 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Her Produce 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 124 days ago, 1/28/23 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Tutti-frutti Organics 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 124 days ago, 1/28/23 
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market
Near Upper Woburn PlaceEuston Road (Stop L), United Kingdom49 Parkway, London NW1 7PN, United Kingdom About 127 days ago, 1/25/23 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Her Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 127 days ago, 1/25/23 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Her Produce 
Marks and Spencer
Marks and Spencer
Near Upper Woburn PlaceEuston Road (Stop L), United Kingdom5 Liverpool Rd, London N1 0RR, United Kingdom About 143 days ago, 1/09/23 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 145 days ago, 1/07/23 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 145 days ago, 1/07/23 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Fresno Evergreen 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 162 days ago, 12/21/22 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Fresno Evergreen 
Poway Farmers Market
Martinez Farms
Near Poway, California, United StatesNipomo, CA About 187 days ago, 11/26/22 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Finley Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 190 days ago, 11/23/22 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 193 days ago, 11/20/22 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Tutti Frutti Organics 
Kazakhfilm microdistrict, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Ecofreshmarket
California, United StatesKazakhfilm microdistrict, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 195 days ago, 11/18/22 Sharer's comments : Leeks of Almaty region, Kazakhstan 
Rancho Santa Fe Farmers Market
Martinez Farms
Near Rancho Santa Fe, California, United StatesNipomo, CA About 235 days ago, 10/09/22 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 291 days ago, 8/14/22 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Tutti Frutti Organics 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 298 days ago, 8/07/22 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Tutti Frutti Organics 
Nuovo Mercato Trionfale
Near Rome, ItalyAbout 315 days ago, 7/21/22 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 326 days ago, 7/10/22 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Schaner Farms 
NaturaSì
Near Rome, ItalyAbout 360 days ago, 6/06/22 
Little Italy Farmers Market
Gaytan Family Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesRiverside, CA About 369 days ago, 5/28/22 
Poway Farmers Market
Martinez Farms
Near Poway, California, United StatesNipomo, CA About 411 days ago, 4/16/22 
coop 5 terre
coop 5 terre
Liguria, ItalyVia Colombo, 196, 19017 Riomaggiore SP About 432 days ago, 3/26/22 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 445 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 447 days ago, 3/11/22 Sharer's comments : Leeks at Esentai Gourmet 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 463 days ago, 2/23/22 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Fresno Evergreen 
Leucadia Farmers Market
Near Encinitas, California, United StatesAbout 473 days ago, 2/13/22 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 hancock st SD CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 502 days ago, 1/15/22 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Her Produce at Specialty Produce 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 515 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 566 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 611 days ago, 9/28/21 |
