Useful than leeks

The leek, being a two-year-old plant of the onion family, came to us from the Mediterranean. In our country, leek (pearl onion) grows everywhere, it has flat long leaves, in the second year after planting there are inflorescences and small bulbs with a developed root system. In this case, the leek fructifies rather late. This plant is usually planted on moistened loose soil, and in order for the onion to grow well, it is necessary to fertilize this soil.

Such a culture as leeks contains a large number of nutrients, vitamins and minerals, improves the digestive system, speeds up the metabolism. Due to the high content of vitamins, it resists different viruses and some infections, therefore it is recommended to include onions in the diet, especially in winter. Moreover, the use of pearl onion helps to remove toxins from the body, reduce cholesterol, prevent the formation of blood clots.

Leeks are recommended for those who suffer from obesity, urolithiasis, diabetes, asthma or atherosclerosis. However, it should be borne in mind that in its raw form it is contraindicated in gastritis and stomach ulcers.

In cooking, leek is used as a seasoning, which is able to give any dish a unique taste. Most often it is added to pies, meat, fish and vegetable casseroles, sauces, and also prepared as a separate dish. For the preparation of dishes use both the lower part of the onion, and the young leaves, the old leaves for eating are unsuitable. In this case, you should know that you only need to buy onions. Before use, it should be well washed, since a large amount of land accumulates in its lower part.

Considering the question of how to plant leeks, it should be said that the best way to get a good harvest is growing seedlings in early spring. To get sprouts more quickly, it is recommended to hold the seeds in warm water for one day, and then dry them and put them in pots with moist soil. Pots are covered with a film, which must be periodically removed in order for the plants to be able to receive oxygen. When young shoots appear, the film is removed and the pots are placed in a warm, lit place.

After a lapse of two months, leeks can be planted in the open ground, which must be well fertilized beforehand. The leaves and roots of young plants are pruned before planting. It should be said that seedlings require regular watering and fertilizing. Keep the harvest in the basement, sprinkling with sand bulbs.

Buying leek, varieties can be chosen as medium-ripened, and late-ripening. There are the following varieties of pearl onions:

1. Carantan (early-ripening variety) - light enough, differs a small bleached bulb.

2. Mercury (medium-ripened variety) - has a semi-acute taste, the leaves are dark green at the same time.

3. Elephant (medium-ripening variety) - has a sharp taste, has a sizo-green with a waxy coating of leaves.

4. Casimir (late-ripening variety) - it has blue-green leaves, a large stem and a slightly bulbous bulb.

5. Bulgarian (late-ripening variety) - distinguished by a large bleached bulb, dark green with a waxy coating of leaves

The leek, possessing good taste qualities, is also endowed with medicinal properties, so it is indispensable in the diet of those people who suffer from a malfunction of the digestive and metabolic organs. Also this culture is widely used in the diet by those who struggle with excess weight or are treated for such diseases as rheumatism, scurvy, gout. It should be noted that growing pearl onions at home is not difficult.