Freeze or Blanch Surplus Leeks ?

Discussion in 'Recipes' started by JWK, Apr 9, 2011.

  1. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    :help:

    I've still got lots of leeks in the ground and need to clear the bed for the next crop. What is the best way to preserve leeks?

    Last year Mrs JWK made soup out of our surplus leeks then froze it in portions, which I really liked but no-one else did so I wondered what others did with their's.

    Any tips please ?
     
  2. Scrungee

    Scrungee Well known for it

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    Blanch & freeze or use to make Glamorgan Sausages and freeze the 'sausages' on a tray on greaseproof paper (so they don't all stick together) and when frozen pop them in a freezer bag/tub/etc.
     
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    • Alice

      Alice Gardener

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      I just freeze mine JWK.
      Just clean and prepare by cutting into slices or whatever.

      Lay them out on a tray and open freeze -(no need to blanche).
      Once frozen, tip into a freezer bag. They don't all stick together, come out free flow. Use from frozen.
      You still get frozen vegetables but they're fine for soup.
       
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      • Dave W

        Dave W Total Gardener

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        We slice, dehydrate and bag ours. Takes less space, no on-going electricty and carbon cost and they keep for years.
         
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        • JWK

          JWK Gardener Staff Member

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          Thanks for the replies. I like the idea of just freezing them Alice, I'll give that a go.

          Dave - do you use an electric drier to dehydrate them? I seem to recall a thread on here a year or two ago about them and thought theye were a good idea.
           
        • Dave W

          Dave W Total Gardener

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          Yes - an electric dehydrator. I'll be drying some leeks within the next couple of weeks and they'll easily see us through to when the next fresh ones are ready. We store them in poly bags in box in the porch along with dried apple, peas, beans, carrots, tomatoes.
           
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          • greencuisinequeen

            greencuisinequeen Gardener

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            Hi Dave W,
            This is a great idea and hadn't heard of this till I read your post. I'm new to this gardening mularky lol and hoping to grow, keep and use all veg. Where would I be able to buy one of these electric dehydrators from and are they expensive?

            Happy days
            GCQ
            :thumbsup:
             
          • JWK

            JWK Gardener Staff Member

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            • JWK

              JWK Gardener Staff Member

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              Well I've pulled up over two dozen leeks and chopped and frozen them, made my eyes water! Also managed to sow a couple of rows of carrots and peas in their bed, just need a bit of rain now ...
               
            • Phil A

              Phil A Guest

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              Nearly had rain down here today, just enough to mess up the window I was painting, but not enough to actually reach the ground:DOH:

              A few years back I had a load of leeks that formed blubs at the base, like onions. Pickled them like onions, still tasted of leeks though.:rolleyespink:

              Messed up with frozen leeks last year, once they are stewed & packed into plastic trays, they are difficult to tell from Rhubarb.

              They did not go down well with sugar & custard, thats all i'm saying:o
               
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              • JWK

                JWK Gardener Staff Member

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                That made me laugh Ziggy!

                I had to chuck a few leeks away, they had 'bulbed' and looked a bit yellow inside. Another week or two and they would be running to seed.
                 
              • Phil A

                Phil A Guest

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                Cheers John,

                I've seen the funny side of it now, haven't spat something out so quick since that 5 inch slug that curled itself right round my beer can on a dark patio.

                Tried to tell my Sis that her leeks will bolt soon, she insisted on me dividing them up to "Make them grow bigger"

                Have messed her up by putting a few Kelsae onions in her leek seeds this year.:heehee:
                 
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                • Dave W

                  Dave W Total Gardener

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                  Ours is a Stockli dehyradrator, there a various models the basic (one we have) will sey you back about £99.
                  If I was buying one again I'd go for the slightly more expensive on with a timer.

                  Various models on offer here and you'll find plently of you just Google 'stockli dehyrator'

                  stockli dehydrator | eBay UK
                   
                • greencuisinequeen

                  greencuisinequeen Gardener

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                  Cheers Dave have had a look and yes I liked the one with timer so have put it on my wish list if I ever manage to grow anything :scratch:
                  Have a good weekend and thanks for the info I learn sommit everyday on this wonderful site!

                  Happy days
                  GCQ
                  :thumbsup:
                   
                • Louise

                  Louise Gardener

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