The leek (Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum (L.) J. Gay) is a vegetable belonging, with onion and garlic, to the Alliaceae, the onion family. Also in this species are two very different vegetables: The elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum var. ampeloprasum) grown for its bulbs, and kurrat which is grown for its leaves in Egypt and elsewhere in the Middle East. The leek is also sometimes classified as Allium porrum (L.)
Rather than forming a tight bulb such as the onion, the leek produces a long cylinder of bundled leaf sheaths which are generally blanched by pushing soil around them (trenching). They are often sold as small seedlings in flats which are started early in greenhouses, to be set out as weather permits. Once established in the garden, leeks are hardy; many varieties can be left in the ground during the winter to be harvested as needed.
Leek cultivars can be subdivided in several ways, but the most common types are "summer leeks", intended for harvest in the season when planted, and overwintering leeks, meant to be harvested in the spring of the year following planting. Summer leek types are generally smaller than overwintering types; overwintering types are generally more strongly flavored.
The edible portions are the white onion base and light green stalk. They are an essential ingredient of cock-a-leekie soup and of vichyssoise. They can also be used raw in salads, doing especially well when they are the prime ingredient.
2006-11-22 05:33:48
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answer #1
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answered by iliandraeq 3
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A Leek is a relative to an onion it looks like a large scallion. You can use it in several recipes. My daughter was on a leek soup diet. You made a soup with the leeks and then drank the broth twice a day and then ate the leeks when you wanted a snack.
2006-11-22 05:34:45
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answer #2
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answered by Sally V 2
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It's basically onion with a hint of garlic. Sort of like an overgrown scallion.
They are excellent in a leek and potato soup. Yum.
2006-11-22 06:22:26
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answer #3
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answered by chefgrille 7
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A leek is like an onion, it is often used in soups.
2006-11-22 05:39:53
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answer #4
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answered by Loola 3
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Leeks are from the onion family. They are very similar to scallions. You can use them in place of green onions or even the spanish ones. They are best cooked, in my opinion.
2006-11-22 05:35:32
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answer #5
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answered by *me* 2
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