Storing Leeks

[WiZeR]

Just a quickie...

Pulled up all my leeks last night, should I store them same as onions? Or put them all in the fridge?

A few of them went slimey, I think I left them in the ground too long.

Cheers.

[Lesley Jay]

I leave mine in the ground throughout the winter and use them when needed. They don't store so I would freeze them ready sliced for cooking.

[Earthbabe]

Same here. If freezing for cooking you may want to pan fry in a little butter or oil briefly first. Or you add them to a white sauce ready for use as a side dish or for pasta.

My leeks haven't done as well this year as last but I have grown different varieties. Looks like its back to the first favourites next year. They were delish and large without being woody or anything even after standing in the ground over winter.

[Alison]

Anybody knowCan you simply blanche the leeks prior to freezing as you would for beans etc?

[Earthbabe]

I should think so......finds book

Once washed blanch whole ones for 3-4 mins, cool, drain and pack.

Slice thicker ones and blanch for 2 mins etc. Book suggests 1/2lb quantities in bags but it depends on your use level.

Suggested freezer life of 6 months

Hope that helps

[WiZeR]

many thanks guys, I think I can probably use them all up quite quickly as I have some stews and things to make and freeze.

[JennieAtkinson]

Mine are still only pencil thickness size! Nowhere near ready for harvesting yet.

When did you sow and plant out Wizer?

[Snadger]

If you want to release the ground where leeks are growing to plant something else, you can dig them up and heel them all in in a clump somewhere. Just take what you need when you need them! I have kept them going for months during the winter doing this as they will put out a few new roots to keep them ticking over!

[snohare]

Ta Snadger, that's a vital tip for me at present given the lack of storage facilities !

[WiZeR]

I sowed in around the end of march begining of April and they are of varying sizes witht eh smallest being that of the diameter of a £2 coin up to just thicker than the diameter of a loo roll

[Snadger]

I sowed in around the end of march begining of April and they are of varying sizes witht eh smallest being that of the diameter of a £2 coin up to just thicker than the diameter of a loo roll

Mine are the same size as yours and I have had two leek puddings up til now! Yum!!!