Information about Vegetables: Leek

About leeks, information about the vegetable, production, history and varieties in the world.

Leek

The leek is the national emblem of the Welsh; on St. David's Day, all true Welshmen wear a leek to celebrate their victory in battle over the Saxons in 640 A.D. Before that, they also wore a leek to distinguish themselves from their enemies. Leek look like overgrown green onions, and have a milder, onion taste. They have been cultivated around the Mediterranean for at least 4,000 years. Leeks should be firm and fresh, the green part intensely green, with several inches of white toward the stem end. Leave the delicate roots on until ready to use; they help to keep the leeks fresh. Leeks are famous because of cock-a-leekie soup, the Scottish national soup, but also try them cooked in milk and served with a cheese or hollandaise sauce.