Leeks are a delicious member of the onion family and provide many of the health-promoting benefits associated with garlic and onion. They are one of the best sources of dietary fiber, which promotes good digestion and increased metabolism. Leeks are also rich in folic acid, an important supplement for pregnant women or those trying to become pregnant for preventing birth defects in babies - so expecting ladies, go leek! Leeks also have a high calcium content, an essential element to bone and teeth health, a high vitamin C content, good for your energy level immune system, and are a significant source of potassium, which contributes to healthy muscle growth, brain function and nervous system stability. Other listed benefits include antiseptic and laxative properties, help with lowering bad cholesterol and risk of prostate, colon and ovarian cancer. Now, if you don't already include this stellar vegetable as part of your diet it is a good time to start. Winter leeks can be found everywhere and this issue has three delicious and easy leek recipes to start with. Also remember that the simplest way to cook them is just to steam chopped leeks until tender and eat with a bit of melted butter on top. Un vrai regal. When buying leeks, choose the smaller ones, they will be more tender. Always trim off and discard the tough, green ends of the leaves before cooking. The best is yet to come in the Spring, when smaller and ultra-tender Spring leeks start appearing on the stalls. Expect to see more leek recipes in TD then!