All About Leeks
The Allium Porrum, known to us as 'leek' is a root vegetable which
belongs to amaryllidaceae family. The edible part of this plant is a
bunch of long cylindrical leaf sheaths overlapping each other towards
the small base. It remains in a cylindrical form rather than forming a
taut bulb like the onion to which it is related. It has small flowers
and are pink in color that grows in a rounded terminal clusters. Leeks'
usual habitat is in Asia but it can grow in places where the temperature
does not go beyond -15 degrees Celsius.
This vegetable is easy to grow from seed and bear standing in the field
for an extended reap. In order to maximize the edible part of leeks,
farmers push the soil up around the
growing leek. The part of it that is exposed to sunlight becomes
tender and fibrous which are not good to eat, while the part buried in
the soil remains tender and white. It usually reach maturity during the
autumn months and they might get some pest problems. They can be bunched
and reaped early when they are about the size of a finger, or allow it
to grow to a much bigger mature size.
Leeks have an onion-like flavor but is milder. The taste of it is like a
mixture of mild onion and cucumber with a fresh smell like the green
onions. They are usually used as a substitute for onions especially for
people who hate the overpowering flavor of onions.
The best known use for leeks in cuisine is the soup. It is also used in
stew, ragouts and braised meets. If you have a favorite
potato soup, try putting some
sliced leeks together with carrots and potato in a chicken broth, it can
produce a really great soup for you to enjoy. Leeks can also be eaten
raw which can offer a delicious crunchy flavor to salads or when eaten
with a dip. Just make sure to rinse them thoroughly before slicing them
or after cutting them lengthwise to remove the dirt or grit. As the leek
grows, the dark green part of it becomes chewy and woody, that is why it
is usually discarded as it will give a bitter taste and has a less
flavor.
Leek contains vitamin C, essential oil, protein, sulfur, potassium and
is low in sodium. Leeks can actually help in lowering cholesterol level
and are great source of fiber in your diet. It is also said to be a
blood building agent and a diuretic. The greener part of the leek leaves
are more nutritious than the more tender sections.
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