Leafy GreensIntermediate
Leek
Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum
Scientific Name
Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Origin
Central Asia
Type
Biennial (grown as annual)
120-150 days
Culinary Uses
Flavor: Mild, sweet onion-like, delicate
- Leek and potato soup (vichyssoise)
- Braised as side dish
- Quiches and tarts
- Gratin dishes
- Substitute for onions with milder flavor
Planting Calendar
Sow Indoors
JanuaryFebruaryMarch
Sow Outdoors
MarchApril
Harvest
SeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Health Benefits
- Contains allicin with antimicrobial properties
- Good source of vitamin K and folate
- Prebiotic fiber supports gut health
- May help lower cholesterol
- Contains kaempferol antioxidant