Growing and cooking British Leeks

All about leeks

Our growers

Read all about the people who grow our favourite vegetable, like Mervyn and Marilyn Casey’s family, who have grown leeks at their farm in Lincolnshire since 1970. Find out more about them and other members of the Leek Grower’s Association

Fun facts

The Romans considered the leek a superior vegetable and Emperor Nero ate so many he gained the nickname Porophagus (leek eater). He is reported to have thought eating leeks would improve his singing voice!!

Tips from the experts

Char-grilled, roasted, poached, braised, pan fried or cooked in a wok, you know you can always whip up a quick dish that is tasty, healthy and wholesome as well as bursting with flavour. Find out how to select, store and prepare leeks.

Delicious recipes from our chefs

Recipes

All recipes
British Leeks in the kitchen

What the chefs say

Helen Best-ShawFreelance food writer, photographer and blogger

“Tasty, versatile and available fresh through the winter, leeks can be used in so many delicious ways. Cooked slowly, they are creamy and sweet. Or, stir-fry or braise to keep their shape and give a sharper flavour. Or even finely chopped raw baby leeks add crunch and hint of onion heat to winter salads and slaws.”

Joe WoodhouseChef, food and wine photographer, author of Your Daily Veg

“Leeks are such an easy ingredient to make so many dishes all year round. They cook really quickly and add a lovely allium sweetness to recipes. They are welcome across so many different cuisines. Such a fun vegetable to cook with. It is almost as if you are getting two for one with the plump juicy white sections and the more herbal green tops. Always a brilliant vegetable to have at the ready in the fridge as a reliable go to.”

Lucy ParkerFood stylist, recipe developer and photographer

“Eating seasonally is something that has become really important to me. Leeks are extremely versatile, and can be used for a bit of crunch, or in other cases create a beautifully creamy element to a dish.”

Leek Growers' Association Members

Our growers