By Sara Lucero Also known as: Ramp or Wild Leek, Poor Man's Asparagus
Likes: Sandy earth, the fridge crisper
Dislikes: His relative anonymity in the United States
Hobbies: Sautéing, roasting and grilling with a little olive oil
Find him: Simmering in soups, flavoring frittatas, adding subtle onion flavor to fish and chicken
Sure, you may have heard of him in passing, his name whispered at the farmer's market or dropped here and there on restaurant menus, but do you really know Leek? He's more subtle and less commonly used than some of his allium cousins to whom he'll introduce; but he has a delicate flavor and rich history that will have you reconsidering his long and leafy greens next time you're shopping at the market or dining out.
Leek, with his delicate flavor, ready abundance and health benefits, has been enjoyed for thousands of years in Europe and has been immortalized as the national emblem of Wales. This humble garden celebrity was even penned into Shakespeare's play, Henry V, in a reference to his prominent Welsh status. No autographs, please.
Leek is a good choice this time of year to help boost immunity with a little vitamin C. He is also a great pick during pregnancy for some added folic acid. On top of that, he has a dose of fiber for a healthy heart and weight. In fact, if you're trying to lose weight, Leek is a natural choice to add flavor and fiber to your meals without a lot of added calories. Leek isn't alone in all these benefits, though. If you're looking for a similar flavor with nutrition in mind, you can also include Leek's many cousins in your diet for their distinctive flavor and health benefits:
Onion - He's the powerful, pungent workhorse of the family, and though he has a tendency to make you cry, his real passion is flavoring your everyday foods while he keeps you healthy. Studies have linked him to everything from reducing the risk of cancer to improving heart health. No wonder he's one of the oldest cultivated plants!
Scallion - If you like just a dash of Onion-like flavor, he's your guy. He has all the same benefits of his cousins, including helping reduce inflammation, and he's a quick and easy addition to any dish with fewer tears.
Shallot - She is the smaller, more delicate and subtle cousin to Onion. Shallot's nutrition is a nice bonus to her flavor in salads, sauces, dips and more.
Garlic - He has a powerful flavor all his own and can help improve blood flow, heart health, and cholesterol levels when you add him to your daily diet.
Chive - She is the herb of the family, small and delicate and often used as just a simple and flavorful garnish. While she does have the same health benefits as her cousins, Chive is more concerned with flavor and presentation.
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