Storing Leeks

Leeks are part of the same family as onions and garlic.  They do give off odors that can be absorbed by other foods.

However, unlike onions and garlic, leeks can (and should) be stored in the refrigerator.  Before storing leeks, trim any bruised or damaged leaves and roots.  Do not wash leeks before storing them in a perforated plastic bag in your refrigerator’s vegetable crisper.  Storing leeks in plastic helps them hold onto moisture and keep the odor from spreading to other foods.

Ideal conditions for storing leeks are:

• Temerature: 32°F (0°C)
• Relative Humidity: 90-95%

Leeks produce very little ethylene and are only moderately sensitive to ethylene produced by other fruits and vegetables.  When leeks are exposed to ethylene gas they tend to soften are decay a bit faster.

Leeks can be stored for about 1 week.

Leeks can be frozen.  Leeks do not need to be blanched before freezing however, they should be washed and sliced.  To maintain the best possible flavour, the leeks should be cooked as soon as they are removed from the freezer.  Don’t allow them to thaw.

Leeks can be frozen for about 5 months.

If you found this post useful, or if you have any tips for storing leeks, please leave a comment.