Introduction
The leek is a plant that is commonly used as a vegetable in many recipes. That common is also said leek vineyards, belongs to the family of the “Liliaceae“, of the “Allium” species, just like the onion, garlic, shallots and chives. The shape of the leek is elongated, cylindrical with opposed and very thick leaves of white color at the apex toward the bulb, where you can also find small roots. This plant also produces white flowers, with a shape that resembles that garlic and onion.
Leek, it is typical of the Mediterranean, although its provenance is very amenable to some more southern and eastern areas. The earliest leek crops, would seem to date back to classical, in the period of the ancient Romans and Egyptians, which will most likely spread this plant to Western cultures. The leek, is able to grow in soils and habitats with very different climates by those territories of origin that we just mentioned above, as for example in Great Britain.
The soil must be very rocky and sandy, ideal near the coast, where you can also considerable hydration of the soil. In the state of Wales such as the cultivation of leeks if they are numerous, as well as the gastronomic facility, it is the symbol of this nation. Through some intersections of this vegetable, with the passing of years, they are then obtained other species, among which only three are the most common.
The first that we cite, is the common Leek, spread almost all over the world in Italy, the second, Elephant garlic is cultivated in Central Asia, and last but equally widespread, we have the Egyptian leek also called “Kurrat” grown in Africa and the Middle East. In Virginia, this vegetable is known by the name of “Yorktown”, a United States cities of America.
Benefits
As we mentioned at the outset, the leek is a vegetable, but the thing that we did not say, is its great wealth of water present in it. In fact this plant, has for its 90% only and exclusively water, to this is low in calories, and is often introduced into the food for its detoxifying benefits. As it regards the present vitamins, vitamin A is prominent, but also the discrete quantities of vitamin C and vitamin B. In addition leek it is also present as iron and magnesium, and phosphoric acid, very helpful in the nervous system. The sodium, sulfur and silica are present in good quantities, as well as manganese, potassium and calcium, the latter also, is a cure for the bones.
Leek, it is particularly suitable for those suffering from problems related to dyspepsia, anemia, and also arthritis, and facilitates weight loss in body weight. As we have seen, this simple vegetable is rich in many beneficial properties for our body, and we can also add that if you want to improve the appearance of facial skin, a proper daily intake, helps to give back shine and freshness to the fabric the epidermis. If you want to lower cholesterol levels in the blood and stimulate the immune system, the leek is very suitable to keep these problems under control, as well as a preventive against cancer.
In the kitchen
The non-edible parts of the leek that are discarded are the roots and the tips of the leaves, then we can say that this vegetable is magic almost in everything. The trend in the kitchen, from gastronomic point of view, is to discard the entire green portion present, using only the white part, then cut into slices and stew, or used for cooking funds, for the realization of sauces and broths. We can only advise you to discard a small amount of green tips apex, because eliminate them entirely, it would be a waste, while the rest can be washed before being boiled, or you can eat it as an appetizer or side dish. The taste and flavor of the leek, being very determined and strong, it is not always appreciated by all palates.
Leek, also they attribute the medicinal qualities, which relate mainly to its great capacity diuretic, even the seeds themselves, and also because it promotes intestinal transit. Very useful its use for the removal of kidney stones or gravel, for water retention and constipation. In antiquity, it was believed that the leek was able to increase female fertility. The energy content present in leeks, is due only to the fructose containing in it, and we must add that there are also proteins and fats almost entirely absent.
As you have read, the leek is an important vegetable to be introduced in our diet routine, and can be enjoyed in many ways. For those who appreciate its flavor, we recommend consuming it raw in the salad together.
