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Leeks

Inventory, 12 ct : 73.50
This item was last sold on : 05/19/22

• 149 Featured Restaurants

• 65 Recipe Ideas

• 17 ShareMarket®

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.

Black Raill Kitchen + Bar	Carlsbad CA	619-454-9182
Il Sogno Italiano	San Diego CA	619-380-2652
Mission Pacific	Oceanside CA	760-450-7864
Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill	Vista CA	760-509-4424
Kappa Sushi	San Diego CA	858-566-3388
Viejas Casino Banquets	Alpine Ca	619-295-3172
Parkhouse Eatery	San Diego CA	619-295-7275
Carte Blanche Bistro & Bar	Oceanside CA	619-297-3100
Del Mar Country Club	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-759-5500 x207
La Jolla Country Club	San Diego CA	858-454-9601
Cocina De Barrio	San Diego CA	760-840-1129
Saiko Sushi-North Park	San Diego CA	619-886-6656
The Wild Thyme Company	San Diego CA	858-527-0226
Gravity Heights Restaurant and Brewery	San Diego CA	858-551-5105
Craft House Sky Deck	San Diego CA	619-948-4458
Pamplemousse Grill	Solana Beach CA	858-792-9090
Reata Glen	Ladera Ranch CA	949-545-2250
Fish 101	Encinitas CA	760-943-6221
Darshan Bakery (Del Mar)	Del Mar CA	858-925-7223
Coast Catering	Escondido CA	619-295-3173

the other 129...

Born & Raised	San Diego CA	619-944-1631
Wormwood	San Diego CA	619-573-0289
Tahona (Kitchen)	San Diego CA	619-573-0289
Blue Ocean La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-999-4073
The Lab Restaurant	Oceanside CA	619-861-8299
Pacifica Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-792-0505
Jeune Et Jolie	Carlsbad CA	858-231-0862
Truluck's Seafood Steak and Crab House	San Diego CA	858-453-2583
Tartine	Coronado CA	619-435-4323
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest	San Diego CA	619-380-9840
Dolce Pane & Vino	Del Mar CA	858-832-1518
Lauberge Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-259-1515
Great Maple Hillcrest	San Diego CA	619-255-2282
Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC	San Marcos CA	508-320-6644
AToN Center Inc.	Encinitas CA	858-759-5017
Glenbrook Health Center	Carlsbad CA	760-704-1000
The Market by Buon Appetito	San Diego CA	619-237-1335
The Field Irish Pub & Restaurant	San Diego CA	619-232-9840
Wayfarer Bread	La Jolla CA	805-709-0964
The Haven	San Diego CA	619-964-3778
Fairmont Grand Del Mar	San Diego CA	858-314-1975
Ballast Point Restaurant - Miramar	San Diego CA	858-790-6900
Azuki Sushi Lounge	San Diego CA	619-238-4760
Storyhouse Spirits	San Diego CA	801-949-5955
PFC Fitness Camp	Carlsbad CA	888-488-8936
Neighborhood Burger	San Diego CA	619-446-0002
Isola La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-412-5566
Belching Beaver Brewery - Pub 980	Vista CA	760-420-7764
Bistro du Marche by Tapenade	La Jolla CA	858-551-7500
Chateau Lake San Marcos	San Marcos CA	760-670-5807
Lodge at Torrey Pines Main	San Diego CA	858-453-4420
Swagyu Chop Shop-PB	San Diego CA	858-758-0357
Olivewood Gardens -Donation	National City CA	619-434-4281
Shake and Muddle	Chula Vista CA	619-816-5429
The Shores	La Jolla CA	858-459-8271
Isola Pizza Bar	San Diego CA	619-564-2938
Harumama	San Diego CA	619-269-7122
Hive Sushi Lounge	San Diego CA	619-218-4000
RoVino Rotisserie + Wine	San Diego CA	619-972-6286
Siamo Napoli	San Diego CA	619-300-4810
Nobu	San Diego CA	619-814-4124
Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe 3	San Diego CA	858-405-2401
Pueblo	San Diego CA	858-490-6298
The Crossings	Carlsbad CA	760-444-1800
Eddie V's La Jolla - EV# 8511	La Jolla CA	858-459-5500
Seasoned Seas	San Diego CA	92111
La Costa Glen North	Carlsbad CA	760-704-1436
Civico 1845	San Diego CA	574-210-4025
Tom Hams Light House	San Diego CA	619-291-9110
San Diego Yacht Club	San Diego CA	619-758-6334
Black Radish	San Diego CA	619-775-7412
Oyster and Pearl Bar Restaurant	La Mesa CA	619-303-8118
The Roxy Encinitas	Encinitas CA	760-230-2899
Madam Bonnies	San Diego CA	619-432-1383
The Smoking Goat	San Diego CA	858-232-4220
Kingfisher	San Diego CA	619-861-8074
Mille Fleurs	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-756-3085
Peace Pies	San Diego CA	619-618-6960
Herb & Wood	San Diego CA	520-205-1288
Rancho Valencia	Del Mar CA	858-756-1123
Wonderland Ocean Pub	San Diego CA	619-255-3358
InterContinental Banquet Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-501-9400
Little Lion	San Diego CA	619-519-4079
Georges at the Cove	San Diego CA	858-454-4244
Artifact at Mingei	San Diego CA	619-846-2164
Green Acres Campus 2020	San Diego CA	858-450-9907
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club	San Diego CA	858-454-7126
Starlite Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-358-9766
Secret Sister	San Diego CA	619-281-0718
Avant	San Diego CA	858-675-8505
Animae	San Diego CA	619-925-7908
Harumama Noodles & Buns (Encinitas)	Encinitas CA	858-886-9909
Morning Glory	San Diego CA	619-629-0302
La Costa Glen South	Carlsbad CA	760-704-1000
Farm Fresh Meals	San Diego CA	760-707-2383
Mesa College	San Diego CA	619-388-2240
Harumama Teriyaki & Bao	Carlsbad CA	760-637-5737
California Center for the Arts	Escondido CA	760-839-4107
Addison Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-350-7600
Stone Brewing-Liberty Station	San Diego CA	619-269-2100
Cow by Bear	San Diego CA	415-565-9989
Lumi	San Diego CA	619-955-5750
Mr A's	San Diego CA	619-239-1377
Leichtag Foundation	Encinitas CA	760-230-6772
Pop Pie Co. (Kitchen)	San Diego CA	619-414-8495
Toast Catering	San Diego CA	858-208-9422
Et Voilà! French Bistro	San Diego CA	858-610-8784
US Grant Hotel Grill	San Diego CA	619-232-3121
Semola	La Jolla CA	858-247-9670
Pendry SD (Provisional)	San Diego CA	619-738-7000
Hash House A Go Go	San Diego CA	951-764-0605
Full Moon	San Diego CA	619-233-3711
Bread & Cie Café	San Diego CA	619-683-9322
Herb & Sea	Encinitas CA	858-587-6601
Wine Vault & Bistro	San Diego CA	619-295-3939
Cocina de Barrio Point Loma	San Diego CA	858-349-2313
Urban Kitchen Catering	San Diego CA	619-276-8803
Brockton Villa Restaurant	San Diego CA	858-454-7393
Half Door Brewing	San Diego CA	619-655-7459
La Clochette Du Coin-Pacific Beach	San Diego CA	619-402-7911
Fish 101 Cardiff	Cardiff CA	619-753-7139
Coya Peruvian Secret	Del Mar CA	619-295-3172
Mitch's Seafood	San Diego CA	619-316-7314
Shakespeare's Corner Shoppe & Afternoon Tea	San Diego CA	619-683-2748
Prager Brothers (Encinitas)	Encinitas CA	760-704-8441
Little Frenchie	Coronado CA	619-522-6890
Piatti	San Diego CA	858-454-1589
Solare Ristorante Lounge	San Diego CA	619-270-9670
Kitchens For Good	San Diego CA	619-450-4040
Harvest Kitchen	Vista CA	619-709-0938
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-761-1269
Villa Capri Poway	Poway CA	858-391-9400
Joya Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-255-5979
Miho	San Diego CA	619-365-5655
Busy Bee Cook For Me	San Diego CA	858-405-5372
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District	El Cajon CA	619-644-7585
Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe 1	San Diego CA	858-405-2401
Huntress	San Diego CA	619-955-5750
Shorehouse Kitchen Carlsbad	Carlsbad CA	858-663-9916
Barrel & Board	San Diego CA	619-379-2574
Hotel La Jolla & CUSP -CLK	La Jolla CA	858-459-0261
Nolita Hall	San Diego CA	619-618-8820
ALCE 101	Solana Beach CA	619-886-0059
Breakfast Company	San Diego CA	619-356-5444
Barbarella La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-454-7373
Eddie V's Prime Seafood - EV# 8514	San Diego CA	619-615-0281
InterContinental Vistal Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-501-9400
Boss Bird Kitchen	La Mesa CA	858-566-9191
US Grant Hotel Main	San Diego CA	619-232-3121

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Leeks. One

is easiest, three is harder.

Taste and Tell		Alsatian Potato Pie
A Beautiful Plate		Creamy Leek & Pancetta Pappardelle
Baked Greens		Curry Roasted Carnival Squash, Carrots & Leeks
Sprinkles and Sprouts		Saffron and Leek Risotto â€“ Served 2 Ways
Our Salty Kitchen		Braised Leeks with Poached Eggs
My Kids Lick The Bowl		Chicken and Leek Baked Risotto
Radiate Food Vibes		Vegan Veggie Pizza
Field & Forest Products		Wine Cap Mushroom Soup
Honest Food dot Net		Sichuan Stir-Fried Puffballs
Our Salty Kitchen		Ricotta Pasta with Peas and Leeks

the other 55...

Rawmazing		Leek Polenta with Roasted Chanterelle Mushrooms
Contentedness Cooking		Leek & Potato Soup
My Kids Lick The Bowl		Wholemeal Yoghurt Dough Scrolls
My Kids Lick The Bowl		Chicken and Leek Baked Risotto
Pinch My Salt		K's Potato Leek Soup
Almond To Zest		Caramelized Leek, Brie & Ham Quiche
Baking Me Crazy		Paleo Creamy Potato Leek Soup
Natasha's Kitchen		Creamy Mushroom and Leek Pasta
Little Broken		Creamy Roasted Tomato and Basil Soup
Rooting the Sun		Braised Leeks, White Beans, Black Olives & Dilled Breadcrumbs
White on Rice Couple		Broiled Leeks with Fresh Apple Vinaigrette for Fall Fest
The Harvest Kitchen		French Potage
Diary of a Tomato		Porri al Forno (Leeks Baked in Cream)
Life Made Simple		Leek and Potato Gratin
Minimalist Baker		Mushroom & Leek Risotto
The Clever Carrot		Carrot and Leek Soup
Just a Little Bit of Bacon		Orecchiette Pasta With Leeks, Pancetta, And Corn Crema
Sprouted Kitchen		Scallops On Creamy Leeks
The Harvest Kitchen		Simple Spinach, Leek & Onion Frittata
The Busy Baker		Crock Pot Potato Bacon Leek Soup
Ahead of Thyme		Skinny Creamy Artichoke Soup
Frugal Feeding		Chicken and Leek Pasties
My New Roots		Lemony Leeks with Chickpeas and Feta
Minimalist Baker		Mushroom and Leek Risotto
Salt and Pepper Skillet		Braised Leeks with Tomato Vinaigrette
Porcini Chronicles		Minestrone With Fresh Borlotti Beans and Farro
Cilantro & Citronella		Vegan Vichyssoise
The Wooden Skillet		Creamy Leeks Recipe + Black Trumpet Mushrooms
The Pretty Bee		Creamy Potato Leek Soup
Sprouted Kitchen		Strawberry & Leek Quesadillas
Yes, More Please		Leek, Potato & Goat Cheese Tarte Tatin
Bowl of Delicious		Leek and Gruyere Grilled Cheese
80 Breakfasts		Pan Seared Salmon with Creamy Leeks
Umami Girl		Braised Chicken Thighs with White Wine, Leeks and Mushrooms
Life Made Simple		Spring Pea Soup with Leeks and Lentils
Yay For Food		One Hour Leek and Mushroom Mozzarella Pizza
The First Mess		Leek, Fennel, Apple & Walnut Soup with Turmeric
I'd Rather Be A Chef		Creamed Leeks
The Foodie Physician		Mini Spring Vegetable Quiches
Foodie Crush		Creamy Mushroom and Leek Chicken
Give Recipe		Oven-Baked Leek Frittata
From A Chef's Kitchen		Cream of Asparagus and Leek Soup with Curry
Nyssa's Kitchen		Creamy Potato and Parsley Soup
Garlic & Zest		Fennel and Leek Soup with Mushrooms
Simply So Healthy		Low-Carb "Potato" Leek Soup
Contentedness Cooking		Leek and Potato Soup
From A Chef's Kitchen		Green Minestrone with Radish Greens Pesto
West Coast Kitchen & Garden		Easy and Delicious Fiddlehead and Farmhouse Cheddar Tart
101 Cookbooks		Leek Soup with Dill Oil
Red and Honey		Gratineed Leeks
Wall Flower Kitchen		Creamy Leek & Mushroom Pie
nodesserts		Leek, Potato and Zucchini Hot Cakes
Tasty Yummies		Sautéed Green Beans with Mushrooms and Caramelized Leeks
An Opera Singer in the Kitchen		Sun-dried Tomato and Leek Quiche
Honest Food dot Net		Dai Lime Quail

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.

Poway Farmers Market

Martinez Farms
Nipomo, CA

Near Poway, California, United States
About 35 days ago, 4/16/22

coop 5 terre

coop 5 terre
Via Colombo, 196, 19017 Riomaggiore SP

Liguria, Italy
About 56 days ago, 3/26/22

Specialty Produce

Specialty Produce
1928 Hancock St, San Diego, CA 92110
619-295-3172
https://specialtyproduce.com

Near San Diego, California, United States
About 69 days ago, 3/13/22
Sharer's comments : Leeks from Tutti Frutti Organics

Esentai Gourmet
проспект Aль-Фараби 77/8, Алматы 050060

California, United States
About 71 days ago, 3/11/22
Sharer's comments : Leeks at Esentai Gourmet

Santa Monica Farmers Market

Fresno Evergreen

Near Santa Monica, California, United States
About 87 days ago, 2/23/22
Sharer's comments : Leeks from Fresno Evergreen

Leucadia Farmers Market

Golden Farms
San Luis Obispo CA
https://www.goldenfarms.com

Near Encinitas, California, United States
About 97 days ago, 2/13/22

Specialty Produce

Specialty Produce
1929 hancock st SD CA 92110
619-295-3172

Near San Diego, California, United States
About 126 days ago, 1/15/22
Sharer's comments : Leeks from Her Produce at Specialty Produce

Specialty Produce

Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St San Diego CA 92154
619-295-3172
https://specialtyproduce.com

Near San Diego, California, United States
About 139 days ago, 1/02/22
Sharer's comments : Leeks from Tutti Frutti Organics

Scripps Ranch Farmers Market

Golden Heart Family Farms
San Bernardino, CA

Near Poway, California, United States
About 190 days ago, 11/11/21

Waitrose & Partners

Waitrose & Partners tenterden
Recreation Ground Road Sayers Lane 10, Tenterden TN30 6BW, United Kingdom
441580765168
https://waitrose.com

England, United Kingdom
About 235 days ago, 9/28/21

Singh Meadows Near Tempe, Arizona, United States
About 399 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 428 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 443 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 458 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 518 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 602 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 724 days ago, 5/27/20
Sharer's comments : Fresh Leeks at Tutti Frutti Farms