They might have taken a backseat in recent years, but they’re now back, undergoing a welcome revival in popularity and oozing with real British flavour. Celebrity chefs, foodies and consumers alike are all rushing to get cooking with leeks, so there’s no better time to give this traditional British veg a taste.

The great news for leek lovers is that home-grown British leeks are available nearly all year round. The British leek season launches in September, peaking again in the spring – so there’s plenty of time to enjoy this flavoursome legume.

Forget thinking about leeks as a boring side dish or staple ingredient for stocks and stews, leeks are a fantastically versatile veg that add flavour and bite (they’re part of the onion family) to all sorts of dishes.

Roasted, baked or braised, their sweet taste and smooth texture make for a ‘bursting with flavour’ side dish. Equally, leeks add oodles of taste and character to a whole host of recipes including omelettes, risottos, quiches, pasta sauces and, not forgetting everyone’s favourite, leek and potato soup.

As well as tasting great, leeks are amazingly good for you too. They have many of the same health benefits as their onion relatives, such as helping to maintain a healthy heart and circulation, protecting against cancer and generally boosting the immune system.

So what more reason do you need to try this year’s British leeks?!

For more information visit www.british-leeks.co.uk