Leek, the beneficial properties of which have been known for a very long time, unfortunately, compared with other vegetables is not very popular among the population. And now we will try to convince you of the opposite.
Let’s nevertheless consider the topic of how leek is useful. And to begin with, this vegetable is simply abundant in mineral salts such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and potassium. It is they that improve the overall well-being of a person and, no less important, stimulate metabolism. The composition of leek contains essential oils, due to which gastric juice is released without irritating the digestive system.
Moreover, this vegetable has an excellent choleretic and diuretic effect. Leek, whose beneficial properties are very highly regarded, is an excellent cleaner of our body. It improves the function of the liver and respiratory system, purifies the blood, and fights against diseases of the nasopharynx.
It would seem, what else is needed ?! However, leek, whose beneficial properties do not end there, is saturated with a large number of vitamins such as E, PP, B6, B2, B1, as well as all of us with necessary carotene. As for vitamin C, there is so much of it in this vegetable that even the most weakened immunity is restored with leek. And interesting is the fact that the more such onions are stored, the more vitamin C accumulates in it.
By the way, the taste of leek significantly differ from its counterparts for the better. It is sweet, tender and not at all bitter. Its taste has a certain piquancy. Even the aroma of leek is softer and more pleasant. If you compare it with green or onions, then leek is not inferior in its usefulness to these varieties. And according to the content of minerals and vitamins in its composition, leeks fully comply with the well-known proverb “Onions from seven ailments”.
There are some nuances regarding the proper storage of this vegetable. In order to enjoy not only the taste of leek, but also to preserve all its useful properties, it is very important to observe a very simple rule. So, leek, whose benefits are invaluable, must be kept in the refrigerator for no more than a week. And in the freezer it can be safely stored for three months.
This onion belongs to low-calorie vegetables. However, it can easily and quickly satisfy even the most severe hunger. For this reason, in medieval Europe, leek was a fairly popular dish among the poor. This quality of it is widely used by nutritionists today. Leek is recommended to be used as food for those who tirelessly monitor their figure.
More recently, in our country, few people knew about this vegetable. And today, despite the fact that leek is in almost all supermarkets, it is still not as popular as we would like. This is due, first of all, to the fact that most of us simply do not know how to cook leeks. And some are not at all aware of what parts of it can be eaten. In fact, there are no tricks here. Leek is prepared in the same way as the usual onion. It can be steamed, boiled, fried, added to salads and so on. Both young green leaves and white stems are eaten.
Leek, whose useful properties are appreciated by experts in this field, is ideal as a filling for pies. In the end, you can simply stew it and mix it with grated cheese. You get a dish that is amazing in taste. Well, for those who have never used leeks in their kitchen, here is one simple recipe. Place leek, sliced in rings on a plate, on top of which lay grated apples. Cover it all with eggs and cheese. Cover the salad with a thin layer of mayonnaise. Let it stand for half an hour in the refrigerator, and then enjoy its pleasant taste.
In conclusion, I want to add only one thing: try to eat not only tasty products, but also healthy!