HWN Suggests

The Leek Shall Inherit the Earth: Three Delicious Winter Recipes

More than the other members of its genus—onions, shallots, garlic, chives and scallions—leeks have a vegetal quality. They’re larger than the rest, and milder; they warrant billing as a featured ingredient, not just a flavoring agent. They have the umami attributed to their cousin the onion, but their grassy sweetness and acidity set them apart. Their reputation has been tarnished by complaints of their being full of dirt and hard to clean. Yes, there is grit encased in their layers, but once you trim the fibrous dark-green stalk from the core and split the leek lengthwise, it’s easily rinsed under cold running water.

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Articles of Interest

Why leeks are good for you

The oniony tang of leeks perks up many dishes, and keeps your eyes and bones on top form. Leeks contain significant amounts of the flavonoid kaempferol. Many studies suggest it reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases – cancer in particular. It also appears to support our cardiovascular system by protecting our blood vessel linings.

Enjoy leeks, the mild-mannered cousins of onions

A mild form of onion, leeks get sweeter when you cook them. You can use them any time a recipe calls for onions or green onions, and they keep a long time in the refrigerator. I use as much of the first six to eight inches above the roots as I can because I love the concentric green rings they make when cut. I save the tougher, dark green leaves for making vegetable broth. The most important thing is to slice leeks so you can see any dirt between the leaves; it often manages to get in there, so clean them well.

Functional Perspective of Leeks: Active Components, Health Benefits and Action Mechanisms

Leek (Allium fistulosum L.), a common and widely used food ingredient, is a traditional medicine used in Asia to treat a variety of diseases. Leeks contain a variety of bioactive substances, including sulfur compounds, dietary fiber, steroid compounds and flavonoid compounds. Many studies have shown that these active ingredients produce the following effects: promotion of blood circulation, lowering of cholesterol, relief of fatigue, anti-inflammation, anti-bacteria, regulation of cell metabolism, anti-cancer, anti-oxidation, and the lowering of fat and blood sugar levels.

Health Benefits of Leeks

Leeks are one of the lesser-known members of the allium family, which includes onions, garlic, shallots, chives and scallions (green onions). Leeks look similar to green onions although much larger, up to a foot long and 1-2 inches in diameter. They have a mild, sweet onion flavor. Most of the nutrients in leeks are concentrated in the bulb and lower leaf section, with the exception of folate and B6 which are found throughout the greens and bulb.

How to Cook Leeks—Plus Everything Else to Know About Prepping Them

Closely related to onions and garlic, leeks—which look like dark green, stalky leaves connected by a white stem—often are mistaken for larger versions of scallions. Despite its delicious taste and versatile nature, the vegetable doesn’t always get a lot of hype. Leeks can provide impressive benefits for your health, too, Kelsey Lloyd, MS, RD, LDN, tells SELF. Jam-packed with micronutrients like vitamins C and K, leeks also contain nearly 70 micrograms of vitamin A in just one cup, according to the US Department of Agriculture—that’s about 10% of your daily recommended amount. They’re a great source of prebiotics, too, which can help support your overall digestive health, she says.

Let’s Talk Leeks

If you haven’t discovered this member of the onion family, seriously consider it. Here’s why, starting with health benefits: One thing newcomers to leeks need to understand, though, is that they’re grown in trenches that are filled with dirt as the plants mature. While this practice keeps the bulb white, it also causes dirt to collect between the layers of the plant. As a result, you must clean leeks very carefully to avoid getting dirt in your food.

This Country Leads The World In Leek Production

The enjoyment and versatility of this popular veggie has been enjoyed for literally thousands of years. According to Smithsonian Magazine, the ancient Egyptians and Romans loved them. Similarly, MasterClass states that leeks are described in the Hebrew Bible. Today, leeks are readily found in French cuisine, most commonly known as an ingredient in chilled Vichyssoise soup.

What is Leek? What makes this it healthy? Right ways to add it to the diet

With an increasing influx of culinary cultures, people are gradually moving towards healthier choices and one such exotic vegetable is Leek, which has paved its way to the Indian plates for its enticing taste and umpteen health benefits.

Resources

Five Ways to Eat Leeks

All the hubbub about Wikileaks has me thinking about another kind of dish from an underground source...leeks!