Leek

Poireau

What it is

Emperor Nero ate leeks in oil for days each month, convinced they cleared his singing voice — Romans mocked him as the “leek-eater”. Wales later made it a national emblem, worn on helmets into battle.

In the kitchen

The white cooks to silk, the green perfumes stocks. Slit it lengthwise and rinse well — sand hides between its layers.

Goes with

Potato Cream Butter Cod Thyme Egg Mustard

Same species

Arleux smoked garlic Banana shallot Black garlic Calçot Cévennes sweet onion Chives

Also used with

Aka miso Bintje potato Bleu du Vercors-Sassenage Brown scorpionfish Caerphilly Cauliflower mushroom

In season alongside

Pak choi Romanesco Pauillac lamb Ajvar Japanese tilefish (amadai) Arbutus berry

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