Other names: Wild Leek

Leek belongs to the Liliacceae or lily family. Its natural habitat is Asia but now grows where the temperature does not exceed 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The leek is the mildest of the onion genus and grows well when the soil is moist and there are no competition from weeds. This is a biennial plant that has broad leaves, which are can grow to two inches wide and they overlap each other towards the small base. The overlapping leaves form the round stem that can be as wide as 2 inches in diameter. The flowers are small and are pink in color and they grow in rounded terminal clusters. Leek is cultivated exactly like onions. It gets its name from an old English word leac.

There is a species in North America that grows wild and it is called wild leek. Leek itself smells a little like an onion, it also has a mild onion flavor. Leek contains protein, vitamin C, sulphur, essential oil and is low in sodium. The greener part of the leaves are more nutritious than the more tender parts.

Leeks are sometimes eaten raw because its onion flavor is so mild The most famous use for leek in cooking is the cock-a-leekie soup. The Scots make this soup primarily with leek and chicken. Leek is used in salads, stew, ragouts, soups and braised meats. It can be stir fried as well. The French sometimes refer to leek as the asparagus of the poor.

Medicinal uses: Leek is said to be a diuretic and a blood building agent. Wild leeks have medicinal properties similar to wild onion. Drink a bulb infusion to treat colds, and high blood pressure.