How to Harvest and Store Leeks (2024)

FAQs

Can you harvest leeks any time? ›

Harvesting. Start harvesting in late summer, when the leeks are still quite small, to increase the cropping period. Gently lift from the soil using a fork. Leeks can remain in the ground through the winter until they are needed.

Yes, you can freeze leeks whole… But we would avoid it. The reason is that it will take a lengthy period to defrost, and you won't be able to prepare or cut your leeks up until they have had time to thaw thoroughly. Chances are, you won't want to eat leeks whole anyways.

For longer storage, yes. For short-term storage, no. If you're planning on using the frozen leeks within 1-2 months you do not need to blanch them. Simply slice them, wash and drain them, and lay them flat in a ziplock freezer bag with the date and put them in the freezer.

Leeks can remain in the ground as long as it is not frozen. Leeks do not go dormant in the fall but continue to grow slowly, so harvest time can be very flexible. Dig leeks any time after they are an inch or more in diameter, but leave them in the ground until you're ready to use them.

When a leek flowers, it causes the neck or lower stem of the leek to become woody and tough and the leek will become bitter. While you can technically still eat leeks that have gone to seed, you probably won't like the flavor.

On the other hand, long season leek varieties need more than 100 days to reach maturity – some up to 180 days after transplanting! Even more, long season leeks can often be left in the ground for “storage” after they reach maturity, for up to 210 days (or until the ground freezes).

Thin seedlings by removing the weakest ones to give larger ones room to grow. Trim leek greens when they're 4 inches tall. Use scissors to cut the greens back so they're 2 inches tall. Repeat as needed.

You can also pickle them or make them into compound butter which will allow you to keep them for months. Fresh ramps are very perishable so after you clean them, dry them well and wrap them loosely in several layers of dry paper towels. Place them in a sealable plastic bag but don't seal it all the way.

Re-Growing Leeks

For outdoor plants, when you harvest the leeks, cut the plant just above the root end. New growth will appear on the top. You can also save the ends of leek plants from the store and plant them in soil. Soon the roots will take hold and you'll have new growth at the top.

Do leeks come back every year? It is possible to grow perennial leeks that come back every year. However, for the best crops you should treat the plants as annuals, sowing new seeds every year.

Can you leave leeks in the ground over winter? ›

Harvesting leeks

Leeks can be left in the ground until you are ready to use them. Once harvested, they will store in the fridge or a cool larder for a couple of weeks.

Mostly just the white and light green parts are eaten, though the darker green parts have plenty of flavor and can either be cooked longer to tenderize them, or used when making homemade soup stock.

As a general rule, leeks can be left in the ground over autumn and winter until you're ready to eat them. However, if they are threatening to flower, think again…. once a leek bolts, the inner flesh becomes very tough and virtually inedible.

Leeks are made up of elongated, white bulbs with broadening and darkening green leaves at their tops. The bulb comes to an end at a point, often with roots still attached. The bulbs and lighter green leaves are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked.

Freezing leeks

First, wash them in water and cut them up, ready to be stored. Then you need to flash freeze them – this helps keep the moisture in the leeks. Finally, freeze them in an airtight container.

Place a layer of wax paper or parchment paper on a baking sheet, and place your leeks on it in a single layer. Don't worry if the leeks touch each other a little, but don't pile them up, or they may stick together or take longer to freeze. Put the leeks in your freezer for 30 minutes or until they are frozen.

Frozen leeks will retain many of their qualities and freshness. If you do not blanch the leeks prior to freezing, it is recommended that you keep the leeks in the freezer for about 2 months. Any longer and the leeks will lose their flavor.

Do not plant with Peas or Beans. Plant Leeks and Carrots together as they protect each other from carrot fly and leek moth. Make sure you harvest the carrots before you start to mound the soil up on your leeks. Get on with Carrots, Beetroot, Raddish and Beans, Do not plant with Onions Leeks or Garlic.

Leeks do not turn woody or lose flavor if left in the ground beyond the days to maturity on the seed packet or plant label. Technically, you could can even harvest leeks in winter or very early spring in the following year.

Leeks are best used fresh, but if you must store them, wrap them in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for seven to ten days. Smaller leeks keep longest, so use the large ones first.

Should I trim leek roots? ›

Cut back the roots until they are 2.5 cm (1 in) long and trim the tips of the leaves back slightly. Lower the young leeks gently into the holes and fill the holes with water. The water will wash enough soil over the base of the plant to allow it to become established.

There are many wonderful ways to use leek greens: added to soup, sautés and roasts, or pan-fried into crispy bits. You can essentially use them just like an onion (as long as the tough leafy parts are cut thinly against the grain). Yet our personal favorite way to use leek greens is to turn them into leek powder.

Leeks like a sunny spot and agood fertile soil, so add plenty of garden compost or farmyard manure to the site. A week or two before planting sprinkle some Growmore or chicken manure pellets over the soil.

Freezing leeks

First, wash them in water and cut them up, ready to be stored. Then you need to flash freeze them – this helps keep the moisture in the leeks. Finally, freeze them in an airtight container.

For longer storage, yes. For short-term storage, no. If you're planning on using the frozen leeks within 1-2 months you do not need to blanch them. Simply slice them, wash and drain them, and lay them flat in a ziplock freezer bag with the date and put them in the freezer.

Yes, you can freeze leeks whole… But we would avoid it. The reason is that it will take a lengthy period to defrost, and you won't be able to prepare or cut your leeks up until they have had time to thaw thoroughly. Chances are, you won't want to eat leeks whole anyways.

once a leek bolts, the inner flesh becomes very tough and virtually inedible.

Using a colander, submerge the cut leeks into the boiling water and blanch the greens for 1 to 2 minutes. Once the leeks turn a bright green, take them out of the water and submerge them in ice water. Once chilled, lay the blanched leeks on a paper towel then pat dry. Prepare a resealable plastic bag for freezing.

If you'll use your leeks within 2 to 3 days, leaving them at room temperature is okay. While refrigeration is the recommended method for storing leeks, they can sit in the pantry or kitchen for 2 to 4 days without significant quality loss.

line the bottom of a large zip lock or plastic grocery bag. Place the leeks into the bag with the roots nestled down into the damp paper towel, and the leaves coming out the top of the bag. Place the bag or leeks into a crisper drawer to help hold in humidity. Leeks will keep for about 1-1.5 months stored this way.

Can you eat the green part of leeks? ›

So look out for leeks with their tops intact: they are as flavourful, if not more so, than the white part. The tougher green leaves need to be finely sliced across the grain, but other than that, they can be used in much the same way as the rest of this fabulous vegetable.

Put the leeks in the blanching basket and lower them into the water. Fill your blanching basket, strainer, or mesh cooking bag with clean leeks that are cut or chopped. Place the blanching container and leeks in the water once it starts to boil. Cover the pot as soon as the water returns to a boil.

Boiled leaves can be used for sauces, soups or casseroles. Or simply seasoned with oil and spices for a side dish. The taste is strong but the fiber contained within is an excellent remedy to help out your intestinal tract.

Slice the bulb portion into thin even slices, no more than 1/8" thick. The thinner they are cut, the faster they will dry. Dry leeks in a food dehydrator on 120 degrees Fahrenheit until completely dry. The pieces should snap and crack crisply in half or crumble in your hand, and no longer bend.