Have you ever bought leeks to use in a recipe, only to find yourself using just the white part that the instructions call for, and then tossing out most of the green? If you're like me, you probably feel a little guilty letting almost half the plant go to waste!
You might even bag up that green part and freeze it, intending to add it to the pot next time you make up a big batch of chicken stock - only to discover its tortured remains a year or two later when you're cleaning out the freezer. You know...not that I've ever done that, or anything.
So, basically I've been living with leek-top guilt for a few years now. But finally I've found a great use for those leftover green tops!
Leek powder, you guys! It's fantastic stuff.
Use it any way you would onion powder - soups, stews, spice mixes. But, because of its sweeter, milder flavor profile, many folks actually even love it in green smoothies!
And the health benefits of leeks, especially the green parts, are astounding. Check out these leek super-powers:
- Eating leeks has been shown to reduce inflammation, which is at the root of so many diseases.
- Like garlic, leeks are full of allicin, which produces sulfenic acid. Sulfenic acid is highly effective at stopping the spread of free radicals, which have been linked to cancer and many other diseases.
- They contain kaempferol, an antioxidant which has been shown to have anti-microbial and anti-cancer properties, and also protects heart health, supports neurological function, fights diabetes, and even helps fight allergies.
- They're an excellent source of natural folate (far superior to folic acid, which has been linked to increased cancer risk!)
- Leeks are one of the best sources of Vitamin K, which is vital for normal blood clotting, and also supports heart and bone health.
Those are just a few of the health benefits of this amazing allium.
Knowing they're so extremely healthful makes me see those leftover green tops not just as food I feel bad wasting, but as potent nutrition that can boost my family's health, while adding flavor to other meals.
So my new modus operandi when it comes to cooking with leeks, is to turn everything I don't use into leek powder. It's really easy (just like making onion powder), and leeks don't take long to dehydrate, so it's not a burdensome project. Here's how!
How to make leek powder
Leek powder can be made from whole leeks, or just the green parts. Since most recipes call for the white portion, I generally make leek powder with the leftover greens, and really enjoy the vivid green color of the finished powder.
Start by thoroughly washing your leeks, and patting them dry. Discard any brown, dried bits.
Snip into pieces that will fit comfortably onto dehydrator trays. Be sure to separate any layers that sandwich themselves together - they'll dry much more efficiently if separated.
Fill dehydrator trays with a generous layer of leek pieces. This tray is actually a little lighter than I usually fill them! As long as the trays can correctly sit together, the leeks will dry just fine.
Dry at 135 degrees for about 4 hours, until completely dry. Leek pieces will be very dry and brittle, and should retain their green color well.
Allow dried leek pieces to cool to room temperature.
Stuff the pieces into your food processor, or the cup of a magic bullet. It's kind of like cramming dry hay in there.
Process until the powder is as fine as you like.
Store the finished powder in a tightly-sealed container, in a cool and dark place. Leek powder lasts well, and is not prone to clumping like onion powder sometimes can be.
That's all there is to it! I've really enjoyed experimenting with using leek powder in my spice mixes, and have found that it especially takes roast duck to a whole new level of heavenly.
I'd love to hear how you use it! Drop me a comment below and let me know what other recipes I should be trying with this wonderful stuff!
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Anna Chesley
Anna Chesley is a freelance writer living a homestead lifestyle, with a special love for family travel, old books, vintage skills, and seaside living. In addition to founding Salt In My Coffee, she runs the website, New England Family Life, as well as The 1800's Housewife, a website devoted to re-creating authentic 1800's recipes.
Lydia says
Thanks! Do you think I could get similar results using an oven?
Anna says
Absolutely! I would use the lowest setting that your oven allows, and it will probably take a bit less time than with the dehydrator. If you try it, I'd love to hear how it goes for you!
Christine says
No hurry, but I would love it, if you would do a follow up post on starting leeks from seed, growing them in the garden and harvesting them. I am so looking forward to growing and using leeks this coming gardening season. I had been planning to use the seeds I saved in the fall, but I am wondering if there is a certain variety that you feel is best. And when is the optimal time to start the seeds, here in New England? I would love to hear all of your tips on growing and using leeks from seed. Thanks so much! 🙂
Christina says
I LOVE this idea!! I would have never thought about doing this. It is a great use of the whole plant and another easy way to "sneak" additional veggies into food. Thanks for sharing
Christine says
Thank you, for this post! I intend to do this next gardening season. Several years ago, I became aware of the amazing anti-cancer and blood sugar-regulating properties of leeks. I bought some seedlings from a local nursery and planted them that year; but have only used them sparingly over the past several years, because I haven't actively cultivated them. They have reseeded themselves each year, though, and I saved a seedhead the other day, to start seedlings from next spring. Making leek powder from my own organically-raised leeks will be such an easy way to regularly include leeks in our diet. Thanks again, for the great idea and how-to's!
Melissa Keyser says
What an amazing idea! I would have never thought of this. I also feel guilty, and obviously, have also never forgotten about them in the freezer.......