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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.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® 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 ‘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.
| Glenbrook Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Darshan Bakery (Del Mar) | Del Mar CA | 858-925-7223 |
| Harley Gray Kitchen and Bar | San Diego CA | 619-840-7000 |
| Oyster and Pearl Bar Restaurant | La Mesa CA | 619-303-8118 |
| Fish 101 Cardiff | Cardiff CA | 619-753-7139 |
| Venissimo Cheese Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-491-0708 |
| Tartine | Coronado CA | 619-435-4323 |
| Blue Water Seafood Market and Grill | San Diego CA | 619-497-0914 |
| Isola Pizza Bar | San Diego CA | 619-564-2938 |
| Carte Blanche Bistro & Bar | Oceanside CA | 619-297-3100 |
| Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Davanti Enoteca India St. | San Diego CA | 619-237-9606 |
| Wonderland Ocean Pub | San Diego CA | 619-255-3358 |
| Morning Glory | San Diego CA | 619-629-0302 |
| Peace Pies | San Diego CA | 619-618-6960 |
| Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-944-1631 |
| Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
| Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill | Vista CA | 760-509-4424 |
| Rubicon Deli India Street | San Diego CA | 619-200-4201 |
| Azuki Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-238-4760 |
| Saiko Sushi-North Park | San Diego CA | 619-886-6656 |
| Pop Pie Co. (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-414-8495 |
| Kappa Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-566-3388 |
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
| Kitchens For Good | San Diego CA | 619-450-4040 |
| Wheat & Water | La Jolla CA | 858-291-8690 |
| Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District | El Cajon CA | 619-644-7585 |
| Ju-Ichi | San Diego CA | 619-800-2203 |
| Et Voilà! French Bistro | San Diego CA | 858-610-8784 |
| Bread & Cie Café | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
| Tahona (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-380-9840 |
| Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Peohes | Coronado CA | 619-437-4474 |
| Parkhouse Eatery | San Diego CA | 619-295-7275 |
| Mesa College | San Diego CA | 619-388-2240 |
| Brockton Villa Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-454-7393 |
| The Haven | San Diego CA | 619-964-3778 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 808-868-8639 |
| Hash House A Go Go | San Diego CA | 951-764-0605 |
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 858-208-9422 |
| Mitch's Seafood | San Diego CA | 619-316-7314 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| Mr A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| The Field Irish Pub & Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-232-9840 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Shake and Muddle | Chula Vista CA | 619-816-5429 |
| Harumama | San Diego CA | 619-269-7122 |
| Cocina de Barrio Point Loma | San Diego CA | 858-349-2313 |
| Driana Foods, Inc. | Vista CA | 720-979-9457 |
| ALCE 101 | Solana Beach CA | 619-886-0059 |
| Fish 101 | Encinitas CA | 760-943-6221 |
| Lumi | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Black Raill Kitchen + Bar | Carlsbad CA | 619-454-9182 |
| St. Paul's Senior Services | San Diego CA | 619-806-2076 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
| The Cork and Craft | San Diego CA | 858-618-2463 |
| Waters Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 x4 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| The Farm Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-5585 |
| Communal Coffee | San Diego CA | |
| Morgan Run Resort and Club | Rancho Sante Fe CA | 858-756-2471 |
| Avant | San Diego CA | 858-675-8505 |
| Cucina Enoteca | Del Mar CA | 619-239-2222 |
| Neighborhood Burger | San Diego CA | 619-446-0002 |
| Mille Fleurs | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-3085 |
| Harumama Teriyaki & Bao | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5737 |
| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
| Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Berry Good Food Foundation | La Jolla CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Blue Ocean La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-999-4073 |
| Half Door Brewing | San Diego CA | 619-655-7459 |
| Barbarella La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-7373 |
| Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 508-320-6644 |
| Belching Beaver Brewery - Pub 980 | Vista CA | 760-420-7764 |
| La Costa Glen South | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (Banquets) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
| Coya Peruvian Secret | Del Mar CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| insideOUT | San Diego CA | 619-888-8623 |
| Baci | San Diego CA | 619-275-2094 |
| Campfire | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5121 |
| Pacific Regent La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-597-8008 |
| Rubicon Deli-UTC | San Diego CA | 619-200-4201 |
| Il Dandy | San Diego CA | 609-373-5917 |
| Eclipse Chocolate | San Diego CA | 619-831-5170 |
| Vista Valley | Vista CA | 760-758-2800 |
| Tom Hams Light House | San Diego CA | 619-291-9110 |
| Craft House Sky Deck | San Diego CA | 619-948-4458 |
| The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
| Swagyu Chop Shop-PB | San Diego CA | 858-758-0357 |
| Panama 66 | San Diego CA | 619-206-6352 |
| Full Moon | San Diego CA | 619-233-3711 |
| Aussie Yacht Services | San Diego CA | 858-740-1987 |
| RoVino Rotisserie + Wine | San Diego CA | 619-972-6286 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Huntress | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| The Joint | San Diego CA | 619-222-8272 |
| Beeside Balcony | Del Mar CA | 858-880-8105 |
| Stone Brewing-Liberty Station | San Diego CA | 619-269-2100 |
| Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
| Farm Fresh Meals | San Diego CA | 760-707-2383 |
| Busy Bee Cook For Me | San Diego CA | 858-405-5372 |
| Bistro du Marche by Tapenade | La Jolla CA | 858-551-7500 |
| Cocina De Barrio | San Diego CA | 760-840-1129 |
| The Wild Thyme Company | San Diego CA | 858-527-0226 |
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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Waitrose & Partners
Waitrose & Partners tenterden
England, United KingdomRecreation Ground Road Sayers Lane 10, Tenterden TN30 6BW, United Kingdom 441580765168 https://waitrose.com About 22 days ago, 9/28/21 
Singh Meadows
Near Tempe, Arizona, United StatesAbout 186 days ago, 4/17/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 215 days ago, 3/19/21 Sharer's comments : Leeks from Fresno Evergreens 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 230 days ago, 3/04/21 Sharer's comments : Bunches leeks from Fresno Evergreens 
zakhfilm micro district, 17/1, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Ecofreshmarket
California, United StatesKazakhfilm micro district, 17/1, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 245 days ago, 2/17/21 Sharer's comments : Leek from China 
University District Farmers Market
Cabrera Farm
Near Seattle, Washington, United States16470 SR 20 Mount Vernon WA About 305 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 StatesAbout 389 days ago, 9/26/20 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tutti Frutti Organic Farm
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesLompac, CA 805-737-7127 About 511 days ago, 5/27/20 Sharer's comments : Fresh Leeks at Tutti Frutti Farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 539 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 592 days ago, 3/07/20 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tutti Frutti Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesLompoc,CA 1-805-218-6122 About 595 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 602 days ago, 2/26/20 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tutti Frutti Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesLompoc, CA 1-805-218-6122 About 700 days ago, 11/20/19 Sharer's comments : Leeks!! 
Rungis
Near Zwijndrecht, South Holland, NetherlandsAbout 716 days ago, 11/04/19 Sharer's comments : Great time for a leek soup, thank you Rungis! |
