If you’re not a fan of onions or you’re simply looking for additional onion flavors, turn to leeks. Commonly found in Asian cooking, leeks are a delicious and healthy way to explore other types of onions to give traditional meals a different flavor.
Leeks look like very large scallions but the taste is delicate and sweeter than onions, garlic and shallots so it enhances the flavor of a dish without overpowering it. Keep reading to find out how many calories are in leeks.
Major Nutrients Found In Leeks
Besides being calorie friendly and healthy, leeks provide you with you a significant amount of potassium, calcium, vitamin C, iron, folate and vitamin B6. The most abundant nutrient found in leek nutrition facts in manganese helps regulate blood sugar levels and healthy bones.
Because leeks are cholesterol free and have very little fat and sodium, they play a big role in helping you maintain a healthy heart. With more fiber than carbohydrates, leeks are healthy and contribute to fat burning.
With so many beneficial nutrition facts, you should give leeks a try in your next vegetable dish!
Selecting/Storing
When choosing loose leeks, make sure they are straight, not crooked and firm. The outer leaves should be a deep green color while the necks should be white and firm. Avoid leeks with wilted yellow or black leaves. Avoid extra large leeks as the leaves tend to be too fibrous for good texture and flavor.
Fresh leeks can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Don’t wash and trim leeks until you’re ready to cook them, since cooked leeks keep for just a few days in the fridge.
Eat It With:
Because leek nutrition facts are so friendly, add them to just about any dish like omelets and salads. Sauté leeks with fennel and garlic for a warm salad or side dish, or add leeks to your favorite soup or stir-fry dish.
{Leeks and haddock make a healthy and nutritious omelet!}
Braise or sauté leeks with spinach or collard greens and serve with a lean protein for a quick and easy healthy meal.
Burn Off Calories In Leeks
To burn off the calories in 1 cup of leeks, you would have to do:
- 5 minutes of high impact aerobics.
- 3 minutes of competitive racquetball.
- 6 minutes of pitching softball.