ABSTRACT
Leek has originated from the east Mediterranean region, where it was cultivated by the Egyptians, Greek and Romans since ancient times, and later, it was spread to middle Europe. It has also been suggested that leek is a native to Europe and central Asia. Leek is an important non-bulb-forming crop of Alliaceae family. It is robust herbaceous biennial cultivated species but has not been found anywhere in wild form. Leek contains more protein and minerals than the onion based on fresh and dry weight. Its energy value per 100 g of edible portion is also higher than the onion. Leek belongs to monocotyledonous species, and it has white narrow bulbs with broad leaves and etiolated pseudostem formed by the leaf sheath. Leek grown in summer has long pseudostems, whereas, the crop during the winter season gives a short stem growth. Leek is more resistant to cold than the onion but bulbs are not formed.
