What's that in your hat?

As you may recall, earlier in the week I had more leeks than I knew what to do with.  So with some creativity I made soup with the Allium porrum that I had on hand.  Leeks are related to the onion, both being members of the lily family.  But unlike onions leeks do not have a bulb on the root end and are more refined and subtle with a sweet flavor.  They are native to the Mediterranean region and have been cultivated for over 3,000 years.  They are even mentioned in the Bible, in the book of Numbers, as a food missed by the Children of Israel when they left Egypt.  Leeks have been a popular staple in Europe, even though their name in French is poireau which translates "simpleton."  Due to their flavor they have often been referred to as "poor man's asparagus."
     But did you know that the leek is the official emblem of Wales?  It dates back to the 7th Century when King Cadwaladr of Gwynedd instructed his warriors to place a leek on their helmets to distinguish them from the Saxon enemy they faced in a battle that took place in a leek field.  That victory continues to be celebrated each year on St. David's Day, March 1st.  The event is also referenced by Shakespeare in his play, Henry V when Henry, wearing a leek in his hat proclaims, "...for I am Welsh, you know, good countryman."
     Leeks are a good dietary provider of folic acid for good circulation, calcium for strong bones, potassium to strengthen the heart, and Vitamin C for tissue growth and repair.  Leeks are also known to be effective anti arthritic agents.  To learn more about growing leeks, click on the highlighted University of Minnesota site.
     Check out this website for some interesting uses for leeks in cooking.