How to Harvest and Store Leeks?

Answer 1

The leek is possibly the most versatile member of the onion family. It delivers the most nutrients, adds just as much punch to soups, stews and salads, and performs better as a solo vegetable.

Instructions

STEP 1: Begin harvesting young leeks when they're 1/2- to 1-inch thick. Loosen the soil with a spading fork, then carefully pull the plants from the ground.


STEP 2: Harvest mature leeks when they reach about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

STEP 3: Dig mature leeks with a shovel or spading fork rather than pulling them, as they damage easily.

STEP 4: Seal the leeks in plastic bags and keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

STEP 5: Store leeks, buried in damp sand, where temperatures stay between 32 and 40 degrees F.

Answer 2

Leeks actually keep best in the ground and should be dug as you need them. Any left in the ground through late spring will reward you with large flowers and then seeds to grow the following years leeks. If you live in an area where the ground freezes, you need to provide your leeks with a thick mulch of leaves or straw. Make sure to mulch as deep as the stem is tall. The tops may brown in the cold weather, but the stems will stay fresh. Then just move the mulch and push in the shovel a bit to loosen the soil, and pull out as many as you need for the meal. Right now in this months issue of Mother Earth News magazine they have a nice comprehensive article on leeks. If you can't afford to purchase the magazine, you might be able to read it at the library. It includes some great recipes.

Answer 3

Dig them up. Wash and remove roots and some of the green leaves. Refridgerate (in an absolutely air tight container, because your whole fridge will reek). They can also be dried in a slow oven. I never tried freezing, but that could work too.