UK/Ireland |
||||||||||
________________________________________________________________________ |
||||||||||
|
HISTORYLeeks have been cultivated at least since the time of the Ancient Egyptians and are depicted in surviving tomb paintings from that period. The Romans considered the leek a superior vegetable and Emperor Nero got through so many he gained the nickname Porrophagus (leek eater); he is reported to have thought that eating leeks would improve his singing voice. Today the leek is grown widely across North America, Europe and northern Asia, and delicious regional dishes such as cock-a-leekie (see PICK OF THE RECIPES) and vichyssoise have spread across the globe. BIOLOGYThe leek is a member of the onion family. It thrives in cooler climes and is tolerant of frost, hence its great popularity as a winter vegetable. NUTRITIONLeeks are an excellent source of vitamin C as well as iron and fiber. They provide many of the health-giving benefits associated with garlic and onions, such as promoting the functioning of the blood and the heart. TIPSBUYING STORING PREPARING Undercooked leeks are tough and chewy and overcooked leeks can take on an undesirable squidgy texture. Cook until just tender, testing by piercing the base with a knife. Braising in a moderate oven will take anything from 10 to 30 minutes depending on size. They can also be boiled or steamed. OTHER STUFFLegend has it that the Welsh adopted the vegetable as a national emblem in the seventh century when a Welsh army triumphed against the Saxons after wearing leeks in their hats to distinguish them from their enemy. PICK OF THE RECIPES
|
|||||||||
main regions: USA
|
||||||||||
ONLINE |
IN PRINT
|
|||||||||
©2006-2010 eat
the seasons |