FOUR SHIRES v COUNTRYFILE season IN THE GREAT BRITISH LEEK


Going back to our roots, if you forgive the pun, seasonal produce such as the great British leek, is one vegetable that is at its finest during the coldest months of the year. The luscious leek is now in season and for the next few weeks, until roughly April, we can enjoy it at its best. Packed with nutrients and anti-oxidants it can help stave off winter colds, as well as being a tasty accompaniment that adds flavour and bite to a warming meal.


The hearty leek was a firm favourite of the Romans and was said to have been eaten by saints (St. David, according to the Bible, Book of Numbers). They were worn into battle by the Welsh and are rumoured to possess mystical qualities.


Let us help your garden grow


At Barn Farm Plants you’ll find inspiring plants, ideas and


advice to help your garden flourish


• •


Barn Farm Plants Garden Centre


Upper Wardington


Banbury, Oxon. OX17 1SN 01295 758080


Mon-Sat 9am-5pm Sun 10am-4pm www.barnfarmplants.co.uk


Countryside Garden Centre •


n •


• umm owe ing B b •


t t


an ing u


t t i n ia ,


tif f nitu e f in c ime e k u nit k n i g l


fi e i At i


n at & f n


liv y e vic a i b ti n f


S n 12 w w pu e plant co uk MARCH 2012 v FOUR SHIRES 51 C


t n hene nbu n


u a 57 t to


n t n S n an n


If you’re sold on the mystic ideas, consider these thoughts: Eat leeks if you want to improve your singing voice. If you dare, sleep with a leek under your pillow to encourage a sighting of your future husband. And to repel those invading Saxons, don’t forget to place a leek in your helmet before heading out onto the battle field!


Versatile and delicious, the leek can be roasted, baked or braised. It has a sweet taste and a smooth texture - just give it a chance!


COOKING IDEAS TO TEMPT YOU INTO A LEEK OR TWO!


Pan fried: Heat a little olive oil and butter in a frying pan, add sliced leeks and gently cook for about 5-10 minutes until tender.


Stir fried: Place a little oil over a high heat in a frying pan or wok, add chopped leeks and stir fry for just a few minutes until slightly soft.


Baked: Put sliced leeks in an oven-proof dish, sprinkle with cheese or cover with white sauce and bake for about 30 minutes at 190°C.


Raw: A creative addition to spice up a salad - add finely chopped leeks and dress the salad generously with vinaigrette.


Simply divine!


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84