Leek
Family Alliaceae
Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum, leek (A. ampeloprasum porrum 1), has flat leaves folded sharply lengthwise (A. ampeloprasum porrum 2), their long bases encircling each other to form an elongated bulb. The numerous flowers are borne in large globular inflorescences, white or purple (A. ampeloprasum porrum 3), (A. ampeloprasum porrum 4).
Distribution
Leek probably originated in the Mediterranean region or the Near East from the wild Allium ampeloprasum. In ancient Egypt it was known as a vegetable. It was grown in Europe in the Middle Ages and today it is an important crop in many West European countries (A. ampeloprasum porrum 5).
Use
The blanched elongated bulb is eaten as a vegetable or in soups and stews. Planting the young seedlings in trenches and covering them up with soil to exclude light does blanching.
Two other varieties are Allium ampeloprasum var. ampeloprasum, the greatheaded garlic, with the appearance of a robust garlic plant and grown to a limited extend in the Mediterranean region; and Allium ampeloprasum var. kurrat, kurrat, resembling a small leek and cultivated in the Near East, especially in Egypt.