Leeks are a very good source of manganese and a good source of vitamin C, iron, folate and vitamin B6.

The edible portions of the Leek are the white onion base and light green stalk. The onion-like layers form around a core. The tender core may be eaten, but as the leek ages the core becomes woody and better replanted than eaten. Leeks are an essential ingredient of cock-a-leekie, Leek and Potato Soup and vichyssoise. They can also be used raw in salads, doing especially well when they are the prime ingredient.