Plus snag our good formula that use these versatile alliums ; naked or make .
Blaine Moats
Leeks deserve a circle more love , if you ask us . Many of Allium porrum ’ genus Allium family cousins , include brusque - seasoned ramps and trendygarlic scapes , get a lot more adoration and solemnization . However , stalwart , versatile , and flavorous leeks are one of our year - roundcrisper drawerstaples .
Credit:Blaine Moats
So we decided it was about time to dig in and answer all of the most common questions we get about the aromatic and low-priced veg . What are leeks , just ? We ’ve got the cup of tea , plus we ’re expose how to choose and entrepot leeks , how to get them recipe - quick , and what to make with what might just be your new favoriteproduce aislepick .
What Are Leeks?
As you might imagine by their scientific name , scallion ( Allium ampeloprasum ) are a member of the allium family , along withonions , garlic , shallot , green onion , and chives , as well as the aforementioned ramps and garlic scapes .
Leeksare a vegetable , part of which grows in the ground . There are severalvarieties of leek , which range from thin to thick , with leave that might be anywhere from light-green to blue - greenish . The most plebeian and wide - uncommitted leeks in the U.S. have a white bulbous root at the foundation , which expand into a light unripened then grim green megabucks of leaf sheaths that fan out near the top . imagine of the visual aspect of scallion like supersized scallions .
It ’s good to eat every part of the leek , but the blank and light-headed green fortune are the most commonly - used voice . The dark-skinned unripened tips want a lot more cooking time to become tender enough to be pleasurable . We bang to reserve those to use in avegetable brothbase . finger free to enjoy leek raw or misrepresent .
Credit:Andy Lyons
What do leeks taste like ? interchangeable to other Allium , leeks are refreshing , gently sweet , and aromatic .
Peak leek season is typically early June through November .
How to Pick and Store Leeks
Whether you ’re glean leeks from yourvegetable gardenor are choose them at thefarmers marketor grocery store , seek out straight and strong leeks with plenteousness of densely - packed white and wakeful light-green leaves rising above the root . ( We recommend this since it ’s the part of the leek you ’re most likely to use in recipes . ) The crown of the leeks should be lustrous unripe and moist as well , rather than brown or crispy .
Store unwashed leek in a produce or zip - top bag or loosely covered in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks . Avoid washing and sheer leeks until just before you ’re ready to expend them ; this will help you max out the ledge life of your leek and guide clear of them soaking up any unwished odors .
Andy Lyons
Credit: Andy Lyons
How to Clean and Prep Leeks
The best method acting for how to cleanse leeks depends on how you plan to utilise them .
What to Make With Leeks
you’re able to cook leeks just like you might an onion plant . Braising , steaming , roasting , sautéing , poaching , or grilling all work great . Thinly - sliced or diced raw leeks can also lend lovely onion - alike flavor ( without all of the sore onion plant volume ) to dips , or try them as a fresh topping for a casserole or stew .
If you ’re craving some inspiration , we recommend these fan - favorite leek formula :
