Leek
Scientific Name: Allium porrum
Common Name: Leek
Plant Family: Amaryllidaceae
Etymology: 鈥淎llium鈥� is the genus and also means 鈥済arlic鈥� and 鈥淧orrum鈥� means 鈥渓eek鈥� in Latin.
Parts Used
The leafy top, and the green part of the base.
Ancient Uses
Originating from central Asia, the primary use for Allium porrum was food. Besides consumption, when brought to Rome, they were used as 鈥渞oyal鈥� food and as a lozenge to have a 鈥渃alming鈥� effect on the throat. In Egypt, Allium porrum was used as a symbol of fertility and was fed to women in hopes of a viable pregnancy.
Contemporary Uses
Still used in recipes all across the world, and is most popular in the United Kingdom.
Medicinal Properties
Allium porrum is high in folate and vitamin B6. These vitamins aid in blood health reducing the risk of blood clots and high blood pressure. Additionally, these vegetables contain lots of fiber which allows for a healthy digestive tract.
Identification
You can identify these vegetables by their distinctive leafy/stalky top and a strong onion-like smell. They grow similarly to onions, garlic, and chives (which are all members of the Amaryllidaceae family).
But How Do I Grow It?
If starting from seed it's best to grow indoors for the first couple months. Once seedlings are ready they should be planted in soil with good drainage and a relatively sunny spot. They can grow in shade but it's not their preferred living condition. Unlike other members of the Amaryllidaceae family, Allium Porrum is a biennial meaning it will have two growing cycles before dying.