Leeks

Appears in
Professional Cooking
Professional Cooking

By Wayne Gisslen

Published 2014

  • About
  • Identification: A long, slender member of the onion family with distinctive flavor, milder than onions.
  • Related Varieties: Ramps are wild leeks with broad, flat leaves and bulbs that resemble those of scallions. They have a pungent, garlicky flavor.
  • Evaluation: Look for fresh green leaves; 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) or more of white. White part should be crisp and tender, not fibrous.
  • Preparation: Cut off roots and green tops. Cut deeply through white part, separate the layers slightly, and wash carefully to remove all embedded soil (see Figure 10.11).
  • Percentage Yield: 50%