Leek
Allium porrum
C
ultivated in ancient Eg ypt, the leek is a the compost. As with other members of the
member of the onion family and has quite onion family, such as garlic, it’s a good idea to
a history in more modern times as well. Since keep all discarded vegetation in a separate com
about 640 CE, following a Saxon battle that is post that’s not used to feed any other plant in
commemorated as St. David’s Day (March 1) the onion family. This is due to a whole raft of
in Wales, Welshmen have worn a leek in their diseases that can inflict onions but are much
headgear to defend against friendly fi re from less likely to cause problems with leeks.
fellow Welshmen. These were obviously dis I’ve always enjoyed a leek and potato soup. I
creet enough not to attract the enemy, as had it in Paris on my first overseas trip. Th e
would the giant leeks of today, which, if worn soft, sweet leeks and pure white new potatoes
in the hat, would have been more of a fashion soaked up the cream like perfect tiny sponges:
statement! rich, smooth, and delicious. Why is it that
In growing leeks, the main task is to keep evaporated skim milk just doesn’t match up to
them white and tender. Both goals are met by my memories! On the other hand, I think my
planting them in a trench and gradually heap leeks are sweeter!
ing light sandy soil (or dense mulch) up the
stalk until the green leaves begin to branch out
ward in a V shape. You can get up to an 8-inch
white stalk this way, and provided that the soil The Numbers
remains damp, you should have a tender shoot. For each 100 g boiled (3.5 oz ; ½ cup): 31 calories, 0 g
If it gets hot, the outer skin might become fat, 0 g saturated fat, 8 g carbohydrate, 1 g protein,
tough, but you can peel it away and put it into 1 g dietary fiber, 10 mg sodium
168 • GROWING AT THE SPEED OF LIFE
