Spring a Leek at the Farmers' Market

What tastes like an onion, but sure doesn't look like one? A leek. Leeks are in the same family as both onions and garlic — and have the same health benefits such as lowering cholesterol and protecting against cancer — but the long, green-and-white vegetable is in a class of its own. 

Dice it up and throw it in a soup to add a strong, onion-like flavor to the broth, or chop it raw into a salad for a powerful crunch. 

The Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Association (PCFMA) suggests that savvy shoppers select leeks that are about 12 inches long and 1 to 2 inches in diameter. "The leaves and tops should be green, crisp, and fresh-looking," according to PCFMA. "Refrigerate leeks, unwashed, in a loosely fitting plastic bag or vegetable drawer for up to one week."

Also at the Concord Farmers' Market: Give hungry families something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving by bringing a non-perishable or canned food item to the information booth. Food will be donated to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.

Leek Recipes

A selection of leek recipes can be found on PCFMA's website, including:

Baked Oysters with Bacon and Leeks
Basic Vegetable Stock
Bell Pepper Broccoli Medley
Braised Leeks w/ Warm Vinaigrette
Curried Cauliflower and Broccoli
Fall Vegetable Soup
Frittata with Spinach, Potatoes and Leeks
Garlic Pepper Steak and Root Vegetables
Herbed Leek Gratin
Leek Chive Bread
Pan-Roasted Fish on Mushroom-Leek Ragout
Potato Leek Soup
Root Vegetable Gratin
Spaghetti Carbonara with Leeks and Pancetta
Spring Panzanella
Summer Corn Soup
Warm Mushroom and Leek Salad

About the Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Association

The Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Association is a not-for-profit organization that develops, operates and supports Certified Farmers' Markets in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Concord Farmers' Market

Todos Santos Plaza, Willow Pass & Grant Street

What's your favorite leek recipe? Share it in the comments below. Find out what's in season this fall at the farmer's market.