iGrowVeg

St Davids Day Leeks Harvest

Posted on 01. Mar, 2010 by Tracey in My Veg Plot

In celebration of St Davids Day, the patron Saint of Wales, I have harvested some of my leeks today, my varieties were Pandora and Bandit.

Leeks, apart from being a part of the onion and garlic family are one of the national emblems of wales. It is said that Leeks were used to identify soldiers in the battle of Crecy 1346 against the Saxons on Leek Field. The leek is now used as a cap badge of the welsh foot guards.

Fascinating Leek Facts

• Accordingly to Nero, the emperor of Rome, eating leeks improved his singing voice
• Leeks are most popular in France
• Leeks boost your immune system, as do onions and garlic
• Leeks can be harvested in the UK from September to April
• They keep in the fridge wrapped up for 5 days
• Leeks cannot be frozen whole but can be added to other dishes which can be frozen
• Leeks originated in Ancient Greece and Egypt
• In old wives tales, leeks are supposed to have magical properties and sleeping with one under your pillow (apart from giving you a stiff neck) is supposed to find your husband to be!

For more info and leek recipes on down-loadable cards, please go to the British Leeks website.
I think I’ll be trying Sausage and Leek Casserole with Chive Mash or Spaghetti with Leeks, Peas, Bacon and Lemon. Yum!

Other Leek Posts you may be interested in:

• Growing Leeks
• How to plant out leeks into a raised bed
• The 12 Vegetables of Christmas Part 3