Leek Powder- Use Those Green Tops!
Has the thought ever occurred to you to turn the green tops of leeks into a flavorful leek powder? No? Well, me either. Until a few weeks ago when I was making a huge batch of delicious potato leek soup. As I was washing and trimming the bulb portion of the leeks I had recently harvested, I started to think, “These leeks are mostly made up of these beautiful long green leaves. Such a shame to let them go to waste.” Of course you could compost them, feed them to your chickens, or use them to make homemade bone broth. All great options, so they wouldn’t really be going to waste. But, why not instead turn them into a nutrient dense green powder to add to your pantry shelf? That’s what I decided to do this year, and I’m so happy I did!
What Are Leeks?
Leeks are part of the allium family alongside onions, shallots, garlic and scallions. They have a very mild and slightly sweeter flavor when compared to onions. Most recipes that call for leeks are after the white and light green parts, but in this case we are after the green leafy parts to make the leek powder.
Why Make Green Leek Powder?
Unknown to most, the green tops of the leeks are actually packed with flavor. You can turn these into a flake or powder that can be a wonderful addition to flavor soups, stews, rice, pasta, casseroles and more. You can add this stuff to just about anything!
Although there is limited research on the health benefits of leek greens specifically, we do know that the leeks themselves are loaded with vitamins, and minerals that are a powerhouse of nutrition beneficial to our bodies. I tend to think some of that good nutrition has to be in the greens as well, but that is only my speculation of course. You decide what you think, but either way it is still a great way to add flavor to recipes and truly use the whole plant!
Can I Use the Whole Stalk for Leek Powder?
Yes of course! You can absolutely make leek powder from the white and light green parts as well. Just remember you won’t have that vibrant green color you end up with when using only the green tops. As I stated above, leeks are packed with nutrition and would be a welcome addition to many recipes.
How to Make Green Leek Powder
Equipment Needed
- Dehydrator – I personally use the Nesco Gardenmaster Pro which works great for all my dehydrating needs, but I have also heard great reviews on the Excaliber.
- Blender- any decent blender will work. I personally use the Ninja, but a Vitamix will definitely give you a much finer powder.
Instructions
1) Wash leek greens
Cut the dark green leafy tops off of the leeks and compost any brown or discolored leaves. Then, wash with cool water to remove any excess dirt.
2) Cut leek greens into pieces
Slice your leek greens into smaller pieces. I find about 1 inch slices work well, but it is totally up to you. The longer the pieces, the longer the dehydrator will have to run. Try to keep your slices somewhat uniform, to allow for even drying.
3)Dehydrate
Place your leek green slices on the dehydrator trays. Try not to overlap for good airflow and even drying. The drying time will depend on your temperature you use and the size of your slices.
Generally, the lower the drying temperature, the more nutrients are retained in the final product, but dry time will increase. Herbs are suggested to be dried at 90 degrees, while vegetables at 135 degrees. I dehydrated my 2 inch slices at 120 degrees for 12 hours. Your dried leek greens should be crispy and crack easily when bent in half.
4) Blend
Place your dried leek greens into a high powered blender. Working in batches, blend to your desired consistency. You can go for a flakier consistency or more of a fine powder. Blend in short bursts to avoid overheating your leek greens. I personally use the Ninja blender. The regular blender will give more of a flakey result, but if you use the “to go cup” blender attachment, it will give you a fine powder. A Vitamix is definitely much more powerful and will give you an even finer powder.
5) Store in an airtight container
Pour powder into a glass airtight container such as a mason jar. This can be stored on our pantry shelf for about a year. Enjoy adding flavor to soups, stews, rice, pastas, casseroles and more!
How To Make Green Leek Powder
Equipment
- Dehydrator
- Blender
Ingredients
- Dark green leek leaves
Instructions
- Wash Leek Greens- Cut the dark green leafy tops off of the leeks and compost any brown or discolored leaves. Then, wash with cool water to remove any excess dirt.
- Cut Leek Greens in Pieces- Slice your leek greens into smaller pieces. I find about 1 inch slices work well, but it is totally up to you. The longer the pieces, the longer the dehydrator will have to run. Try to keep your slices somewhat uniform, to allow for even drying.
- Dehydrate- Place your leek green slices on the dehydrator trays. Try not to overlap for good airflow and even drying. The drying time will depend on your temperature you use and the size of your slices. Generally, the lower the drying temperature, the more nutrients are retained in the final product, but will take longer to dry. Your dried leek greens should be crispy and crack easily when bent in half. See Notes Below
- Blend- Place your dried leek greens into a high powered blender. Working in batches, blend to your desired consistency. You can go for a flakier consistency or more of a fine powder. Blend in short bursts to avoid overheating your leek greens.
- Store in an airtight container- Pour powder into a glass airtight container such as a mason jar. This can be stored on your pantry shelf for about a year. Enjoy adding flavor to soups, stews, rice, pastas, casseroles and more!
Notes
Now that you know you can turn those leafy green leek tops that normally would be tossed out, into a shelf stable pantry item, nothing is stopping you from planting more leeks in the garden next year! I know I am planning to grow even more next year! If you gave this a try, please leave a comment below. I would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by the homestead and have a blessed day!
