British leek growers have launched a campaign to encourage the catering industry to serve leeks on Wales national day St David’s Day, which takes place on 1 March every year.
The Leek Growers Associations said it wants eating leeks to be as firmly linked with Wales’ national day as eating haggis on Burns Night or turkey on Thanksgiving.
'We are hoping that chefs, caterers, restauranteurs and food bloggers will be showing their support for seasonal British produce this St David's Day by showcasing the leek,” said chairman Tim Casey.
'One of the few home grown British vegetables to be in-season at this time of year, fresh leeks are readily available and have a subtle, yet distinctive flavour. It would be great to see leeks taking centre stage on menus across the UK this 1st March, with food professionals celebrating this delicious, most British of foods and supporting British farming too.'
Leeks, which are commonly grown in East Anglia, East Midlands, Wales and Scotland, complement other famous Welsh ingredients such as lamb or Caerphilly cheese on menus, the association said.
Around 2,000 hectares of leeks are grown in the UK producing 40-50,000 tonnes during the leek season.
