Leek: washing should get between the layers

Useful to know

In case of leek contamination, it can be held between the layers. Therefore, the preparation should provide access to the water and to them, instead of just rinsing the entire stem from the outside. Iowa State recommends cleaning this inner part before use. [1]

For soup or stew, you can prepare a leek so that the layers dissolve and look around. The form of slicing then depends on the recipe. The purpose of washing is to have no grit in the finished portion, not to follow one decorative cut.

When choosing, look for tight stems with a fresh white and light green part. [1] Larger leek is not automatically more convenient for each dish. If the recipe uses only a certain part, plan the amount relative to it and evaluate the use of the remaining leaves separately.