Leek

Poireau

Appears in
Cuisine Foundations

By Le Cordon Bleu

Published 2010

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Species name: Allium porrum

Despite its shape, the leek is also a member of the bulb family. Instead of developing a round bulb like the onion, the leek produces a long cylinder of bundled leaves, which are paled by the soil pushing around them. The edible portion of the leek is the white onion-like base and the light green middle stalk. The dark green leaves are too tough for consumption but are used for adding flavor, such as in a bouquet garni. Leeks possess a more delicate flavor than that of onions.