Leek

Health Benefits:

Anti viral qualities
Detoxifying effects
Prevents sinusitis

Nutrition:

Serving size: 1 cup chopped; Calories: 54; Fat: .3g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 18mg; Carbs: 13g; Fiber: .2g; Sugars: 3.5g; Protein: 1.3g; Vitamin A: 29%DV; Vitamin C: 17%DV; Calcium: 5%DV; Iron: 10%DV

Did You Know?

• Leeks are low-cal and a great source of soluble and insoluble fiber
• Leeks are related to garlic, onions, shallots, and scallions
• Leeks were prized by the ancient Greeks and Romans and were especially revered for their beneficial effect upon the throat. Aristotle credited the clear voice of the partridge to a diet of leeks, while the Roman emperor Nero supposedly ate leeks everyday to make his voice stronger.

Ways to Eat:

• Sauteed
• Finely chopped in salads
• Pureed with cooked potatoes to make a soup

Farming Trivia:

• The Romans considered leeks royal food because it was Emperor Nero’s favorite food
• Most leeks come from Michigan, California and Virginia and they are available year around in super markets
• Leeks can be planted year round