Leek is a vegetable related to the onion. The leek plant has many flat leaves that join together at their base to form a thick neck. The neck measures 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) wide and 5 to 8 inches (13 to 20 centimeters) long. The neck is the edible part of the plant, and it has a mild, onionlike flavor. It is eaten raw, or it is cooked or used as a seasoning for other foods.
Leeks are biennial plants–that is, they live for two years. The plants are grown from seeds, and they require a long growing season. Leek seeds are generally planted in a greenhouse or hotbed in the early spring. In late spring, the seedlings are transplanted to a field or garden. Rich, fertile soil is packed around the neck to improve the quality of the plant.
Leeks probably originated in the eastern Mediterranean Sea region. Today, they are popular in northern European countries. However, leeks have little commercial value in other areas.
