Leeks are the favorite vegetables of many people, but not all of us know how to store leeks properly to remain all vitamins and minerals in them. In the blog below, CouponUpto will share how to store leeks with different leek storage methods. You can easily store leeks in the refrigerator, in the freezer, and can store leeks long term.
Now, let's dig in to know how to store leeks properly at home!
1. What is a leek?
Leek is a vegetable that is similar to other types of onions, shallots, and garlic. A bundle of leaf sheaths is the edible part of this plant.
Leek is considered a superfood because it is rich in minerals, vitamins, and unique flavonoid antioxidants that bring a lot of health benefits to us. This vegetable has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and diuretic properties. Eating leeks regularly can improve and reduce the risk of damage to blood vessels and heart diseases. Leek is also one of the best folk remedies for strong immunity during the cold season.
2. How to clean leeks correctly?
Before storing leeks, you need to make sure that they are properly cleaned.
Step 1: Cut off excess roots and stalks.
First, you will cut off the roots at the base of the leek plant as well as the dark green part at the top. When you prune the green part, leave a little green stalk above the white bulb.
If you want, you can keep the dark green part to add to soups or broths.
Step 2: Wash the outside of the leek plant.
After removing the root and faint green leaves, rinse briefly with cold water to remove dirt and sand from the outside of the leek. During growth, dust and sandy soil are often quite trapped between the layers of the leek plant. Before storing leeks, you need to wash the leeks completely.
Step 3: Cut leeks in half or quarters lengthwise.
Place the leeks on a cutting board and use a knife to cut them in half lengthwise. If you like, you can split each half to make quarters.
If desired, you can cut these leeks horizontally to form small segments.
Step 4: Rinse the leeks under running water.
Wash each chopped leek under running water. Gently use your fingers to separate the layers to wash away dust and soil.
If you have chopped leeks, place them in a bowl of cool water and stir. After rinsing, scoop out all the leeks and place them in a dry bowl.
3. How to store leeks? Ways to keep leeks always fresh
Although leek has the best taste when you cook it immediately after harvest. However, when you harvest a huge of leeks, you need to find methods to store them. There are many ways to store leeks long term. You can store leeks in a refrigerated, the freezer, in water, or can be pickled for storage, or drying. Let's see some detailed guides on how to store leeks.
3.1 How to store leeks in freezer?
Before storing leeks in the freezer
After cleaning leeks properly ( follow the above guides), you need to blanch the leeks to store leeks. Blanching can help keep leeks fresh and fragrant for longer.
- Put water in a pot and bring to a boil.
- Place the leeks in the blanching basket and dip them in the water.
- Cover the pot as soon as the water starts to boil again.
- Soak the leeks in boiling water for about 30 seconds.
- Take out leeks and quickly dip the leeks in cold water for 1-2 minutes.
- Let the leeks drain completely and air dry.
Carry out storing leeks in the freezer
Step 1: Spread a sheet of wax paper or baking paper on a tray and layer the leeks on it so that they will not stick to the plate.
Step 2: Place the leeks in the freezer for 25- 30 minutes or until they're frozen.
Step 3: Lightly tap the leek to check if it's firm and crispy. If it is still soft and elastic, keep it in the freezer for a while.
Step 4: Once the leeks are frozen, place them in a freezer-safe container or a zip-lock bag. Remember to close the lid of the box. Squeeze to get all the air out if you're using a zippered bag.
When you store leeks in the freezer, you can store them for around 5 months to a year. If you store leeks in an airtight container and maintain a steady freezer temperature at -18°C, leeks even can be preserved for a long time. Frozen leeks are still delicious after a year of storage. However, this storing method enquires a significant investment.
Tip: To keep the best flavor of leeks, do not defrost leeks before cooking.
3.2 How to store leeks in the refrigerator?
Everyone often stores leeks in the refrigerator because this is the easiest method to store leeks and keep them fresh for up to 2 weeks.
You do not wash, trim and cut the leek before storing leeks in the refrigerator to avoid rot. You only need to place the leek in a plastic bag and place it in the refrigerator. You can also store cooked leek slices in the refrigerator, but they will only last a few days.
To extend the storage time, follow the step below:
Step 1: Wrap unwashed, untrimmed leeks in a damp towel and gently wrap them, then use a rubber band to secure them.
Step 2: Place leeks in a Glad Food Storage Zipper Bag.
Or place leeks in a perforated plastic bag to help it contain moisture.
Step 3: Loosely close the bag around the leeks without sealing.
Finally, place the bag in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.
In this way, you can store leeks for up to 2 weeks in your refrigerator.
Remember: Leeks are best stored at around 32 ℉ and have a humidity of 95 to 100%. If you store leeks at higher temperatures, they will start to yellow and rot.
3.3 How to store leeks in water?
Another method to store leeks is to store them in water. However, in this way, you only keep leeks fresh for 2 to 3 days.
You take a large jar and fill it with cold water. Then put leeks into the water. Finally, place this jar in a cool, dry, airy space.
Note: Ensure the temperature where you store the jar is not too hot or humid to avoid the leek wilt.
3.4 Store leeks by drying
Wondering how to store leeks after cleaning? Well, leeks can be dried to store for a long time.
With this method, the leeks are cut into slices 1-2 cm thick and put in the dryer for 5 hours. You can keep the dried leeks in a glass jar with a lid. If you don't have a dryer, you can use an oven. At a temperature of 40-50 ° C, the stalks cut into rings are dried for 2-3 hours. You can also apply this method to store leeks over winter.
Conclusion
The above are some best ways to store leeks for a long time. Hopefully, with our guides, you can know how to store leeks. Besides, there are other methods to store leeks such as storing leeks in the sand or in a root cellar.
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