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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

The Leek, Amaranth, Kumquats


The Leek, is a vegetable which belongs, along with the onion
and garlic, to family Amaryllidaceae.  Amaryllidaceae are a family of herbaceous, perennial and bulbous flowering plants.
The family takes its name from the genus Amaryllis, hence the common name of the Amaryllis family.
Leeks, like garlic and onions, belong to a vegetable family called the Allium vegetables. Rather than forming a tight bulb like the onion, the leek produces a long cylinder of bundled leaf sheaths. Leeks are root vegetables that look quite similar to onions, to which they are related. Their flavor is onion-like but much milder. Leek has a mild onion-like taste. In its raw state, the vegetable is crunchy and firm. One of the most popular uses is for adding flavor to stock. Leeks are most commonly used in soup.
Leeks are a great source of fiber in your diet, and may actually help lower cholesterol. They're also packed with important vitamins and minerals, including potassium. While buying the leek, it should be fresh, vibrant and healthy with dark green leaves on top and a bright white bulb and base.
Cut off green tops of leeks and remove outer tough leaves. Cut off root and cut leeks in half lengthwise.
WHFoods Recommendations:
There's research evidence for including at least one serving of an Allium vegetable in your meal plan every day. If you're choosing leeks, make your individual portion 1/2 cup or greater.

Amaranth also known as Chinese spinach or callaloo in Caribbean cooking.  Amaranth is a tall plant with broad leaves that produces thousands of tiny seeds; both leaves and seeds are edible. The green leaves are sturdy and have a good, slightly sweet flavor. They can be cooked or eaten raw in salads.
The Amaranth leaves, only need brief cooking.
The seeds, which are rich in protein and calcium with
a mild peppery flavor, are used as a cereal or can be ground

into flour.

Kumquats are sometimes called Chinese oranges.
They are the smallest and weirdest of the common citrus fruit.
Wash kumquats and eat them whole, poach them in sugar syrup and serve them with ice cream, or use
them in a fruit salad.

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