How to store leeks at home in winter

Leeks are unique plants that are capable of not losing their beneficial qualities during storage, but even increasing them. This vegetable can strengthen weakened immunity and help with various diseases of viral and bacterial origin. Leeks have high yields, and to grow them you don’t need to make a lot of effort. But then, when the question of storage arises, not everyone knows how to store leeks at home. We'll talk about this further.

There are different varieties of this onion, but only early and mid-ripening ones produce high yields. Unfortunately, they can only be preserved until the end of autumn. Late varieties have increased hardness and a sharp taste, but can be stored for a very long time, until the next harvest.

How to prepare for storage

The harvest is harvested before the onset of frost, in October, despite the fact that this vegetable can withstand cold temperatures down to -7°C.
The bulbs are carefully dug up and the remaining soil is shaken off the roots so that there is no soil left anywhere.
Before storing leeks, their roots are cut down to 2/3 so as not to accidentally capture the lower part of the bulb. A vegetable with a damaged bulb will not be stored for long.
When the entire harvest is harvested, weather permitting, it is dried in the fresh air. A metal mesh is perfect for these purposes. Using a mesh stretched above the ground will allow vegetables to dry evenly.
When the leek is dried, it is sorted out, leaving only bulbs that do not have spoiled or mechanically damaged areas for storage.

Selection and preparation of leeks for long-term storage

Leeks are removed from the beds for the winter before the first frost. A dry and sunny day is chosen for harvesting.

The vegetable is dug up and carefully shaken off so that the soil does not end up between the onion feathers. Then it is dried so that no moisture remains between the leaves.

For storage, select whole, undamaged specimens with strong bulbs. Their roots are cut off, but the bottom is not touched. Without any roots, the onion quickly rots, so it is better to leave 1/3 of the length of the roots. Remove yellowed and diseased leaves, leaving healthy ones.

Storage conditions

If you can use a cellar with a temperature of about 0°C and a humidity of 75 - 85%, storing leeks will last a long time and will not create difficulties.
Before storing leeks on the balcony, you need to prepare a wooden box and warm unnecessary clothes or blankets. To cover the crop when severe frosts occur. In such conditions, the vegetable can retain its qualities for up to six months.

In city apartments and on balconies, this vegetable is able to retain its properties in temperatures down to -7°C. Provided that the box in which the crop is stored is insulated. In the cellar, the storage temperature for leeks is considered optimal when it is between 0°C and +4°C.

The optimal storage temperature for this type of onion is considered to be one that does not exceed +5°C. It is also very sensitive to high humidity, and will not be able to retain its qualities for a long time in a too damp place.
It is important that leeks are stored with good air circulation. For this purpose, the place where it is stored must be equipped with ventilation.
Storing leeks in the refrigerator is considered normal at +5°C (not lower). The plastic bag maintains the moisture level required for this vegetable, which will allow it to remain fresh for several weeks.
Leeks can be stored in the freezer for about a year.

Leeks: how to store leeks for the winter at home, rules and best methods

People often wonder how to store leeks. In order for the product to remain fresh for as long as possible, a number of conditions must be observed. To do this, you need to choose the right temperature, humidity and light parameters. The choice of storage method is of no small importance. Onions can be placed in the cellar or refrigerator. It can also be frozen, pickled or salted.

Basic storage rules

Under certain conditions, leeks can be stored for a long period of time. To consume fresh onions longer, you should follow some recommendations. Onions tolerate temperature drops down to -7 degrees. However, experienced gardeners advise harvesting before the cold weather arrives.

First, you should dig it up and shake it off the ground. It is important to ensure that the soil does not get into the leaves. It is recommended to dry the vegetable and cut off the roots. In this case, the bottom cannot be damaged. It is recommended to leave a third of the spine. In this form, the shelf life can be extended.

Leek leaves should not be trimmed. This will cause the product to quickly wither and develop various diseases. To prepare the product for storage, the heads should be dried. For subsequent preservation, only the strongest specimens are taken. They must have a flat surface.

It is recommended to keep only one type of onion in a container. When fresh, the product retains excellent freshness in the sand. To do this, it is recommended to pour a layer of sand measuring 5-7 centimeters on the bottom, and then place the onion vertically. The distance between the bulbs should be sprinkled with damp sand. This method will keep onions fresh for six months.

You can also use plastic bags for safety. To keep the product in the basement, you will need a box of disinfected sand.

If there is no cellar, onions can be stored at home - in the pantry or on the balcony.

Leeks also store well in the refrigerator. It is recommended to wash it first, trim off the roots and excess leaves. When the product dries well, it should be packed in a bag and placed in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator. You can also chop washed and dried onions, put them in bags and put them in the freezer.

Optimal storage conditions

To preserve onions for a long time, it is worth choosing the right temperature and humidity parameters.

Temperature

It is recommended to keep the product in the basement at a temperature of 0…+4 degrees. On the balcony it can withstand temperatures down to -7 degrees. The temperature in the refrigerator should be +5 degrees.

Humidity

Humidity parameters should not exceed 80-85%. If these recommendations are violated, the onion will begin to rot and rot.

Illumination

Leeks are best stored in a cool, dark place. It is advisable that the product is not exposed to direct sunlight.

Storage methods at home

There are several methods for storing onions at home. This allows each person to choose the best option.

Cellar

When storing onions in the cellar, you should use boxes with sand. It is recommended to first calcinate the material to get rid of harmful bacteria. In the cellar, leeks should be kept at a temperature of no more than +4 degrees. Humidity parameters should be 85%.

First, clean sand is poured into a wooden box, after which the onion is inserted vertically and sprinkled with a layer of sand of at least 20 centimeters. This allows you to cover the entire white part. It is recommended to moisten the sand.

Fridge

To store a small amount of leeks in the apartment, you should use the vegetable compartment. To do this, do the following:

choose the highest quality specimens;
remove the top of the leaves, trim the roots and rinse under running water;
dry on the table and pack several stems into bags or wrap in film;
Place in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator.

The shelf life of onions prepared in this way is 1 month.

Balcony

This option is used in areas with mild climates. Leek can withstand frosts of no more than -7 degrees. Onions can be stored on the balcony for six months. To do this, the bulbs should be folded in one layer. With a large harvest, you can make 2-3 layers. The top of the vegetables is covered with insulating material. It should allow air to pass through well.

It is recommended to check the onion periodically. If it begins to deteriorate or dry out, the plant will have to be removed. This will ensure the safety of the remaining vegetables.

Salting

For pickling, in addition to leeks, you need to take salt, pepper, bay leaf and other spices. It is recommended to wash the onion leaves, put them in a deep container and fill them with brine.

To do this, you need to take 3 large tablespoons of salt for 1 liter of water. It is worth adding pepper, bay leaf and spices to the composition. Leave for 5-7 days under pressure and divide into jars. The workpiece should be stored in a cool place.

Recommended varieties for long-term storage

There are certain varieties of leeks that can be used for long-term storage of the product.

Goliath

The white part of this plant grows up to 25-30 centimeters. It takes 130-150 days for the fruit to ripen. The plant needs regular hilling. It needs to be treated against diseases and parasites.

Kilima

This is a popular Dutch variety. Its white part reaches 10-12 centimeters. The harvest can be harvested 160 days after planting. The variety is considered unpretentious.

Columbus

This variety was bred by Dutch scientists. The white part of the onion reaches 20 centimeters. The harvest ripens in 85-90 days. The culture does not need hilling.

Tango

The size of the white part of this onion is 15 centimeters. The vegetable ripens in 115-125 days. It is planted in open ground in May. The plant needs to be hilled up and fed.

Kazimir

This is a German crop, the white part of which grows up to 25-30 centimeters. It takes 180 days to reach ripeness. It is recommended to water the plant abundantly and hill up 2-3 times during the season.

Bastion

The culture grows to 30-35 centimeters and ripens in 150-160 days. It is recommended to grow it in seedlings. During the season it is necessary to hill up the bushes 2-3 times.

Karantantsky

This plant reaches 15-25 centimeters. From planting to harvest, 125-200 days pass. The crop needs to be hilled.

Mercury

The plant grows up to 20-25 centimeters. This takes 200 days. This is a fairly demanding crop.

Bulgarian

The white part of this plant reaches 45 centimeters. This happens in 130-140 days. The crop should be grown in seedlings.

Autumn giant

This is a Dutch variety, the white part of which reaches 30-40 centimeters. The harvest can be harvested after 200 days. The culture is demanding of care.

Elephant

This Czech variety grows up to 20 centimeters. From the moment of planting to harvest, 140-160 days pass. The plant needs abundant watering and is frost-resistant.

Common Mistakes

Many people make common mistakes when storing onions:

store onions of different varieties in one container;
keep the leek in a sealed package without air access;
Do not sort vegetables during the storage period.

Additional tips and tricks

To preserve leeks for the winter, you should follow these rules:

cut off the bottom;
get rid of yellow and damaged leaves;
make holes in the bag;
Do not use spoiled or wilted onions for storage.

Storing leeks has a number of features. In order for the product to remain fresh for as long as possible, it needs to be provided with suitable conditions.

Source: https://hozzi.ru/hranenie/luk-porej

Shelf life of leeks

There is an average storage time for this vegetable under different conditions:

at +23°C -+25°C (room temperature) – about 20 days;
on the balcony - about 6 months;
in sand – about 6 months;
in the freezer – more than 1 year;
canned – up to 12 months;
in the refrigerator – 3 – 5 weeks;
dried – up to 12 months.

For more detailed storage methods and periods, see the table below.

Storage method	Temperature (degrees)	Shelf life (months)
Refrigerator, in a plastic bag or cling film	0 +5	4-5
Freezer, cut into rings, in bags or plastic containers	-10 and below	9-12
Dried, in glass container	+20 +25	about six months
Cellar, in a box with wet sand	near zero	6-9
Glazed balcony, in a box with wet sand	not lower than -8	3-6
Greenhouse sprinkled with sand and leaves	not lower than -25	before warming

The best recipes for leek preparations for the winter

Leeks are salted and pickled.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with the best recipes for preparing leeks for the winter.

Classic salting method

A simple and quick way to preserve leeks for the winter.

For preparation you will need:

leek - 1 kg;
salt - 50 g.

Step-by-step preparation:

The onion is cut into rings, placed in an enamel bowl and lightly compacted.
Add salt and mix thoroughly. If desired, add spices to taste.
Cover with a lid and set the pressure. Leave in a cool, dark place for 3 weeks.
The finished product is placed in clean glass jars and stored in the refrigerator.

Leek with hibiscus

Hibiscus gives the workpiece an unusual color and sour taste.

Required ingredients:

leek - 200 g;
water - 500 ml;
vinegar 9% - 40 g;
salt - 0.5 tbsp. l.;
sugar - 1 tbsp. l.;
hibiscus - 3 g;
bay leaf - 2-3 pcs.;
allspice peas - to taste;
black peppercorns - to taste.

Cooking method:

The white part of the leek is cut into large pieces.
Prepare the marinade: add salt, sugar, allspice and black pepper, bay leaf and vinegar to boiling water.
Dip leeks into the boiling marinade and boil for one minute. Add hibiscus to the marinade, boil for another minute and remove from heat.
Place onions in a sterilized jar, add marinade, and roll up.
The jar is sterilized in an air fryer for 10 minutes at a temperature of +150°C.
Store in a cool, dark place.

Salted onions with beets

Georgian recipe - salted prasa.

Required ingredients:

leek - 1 kg;
beets - 1 pc.;
leaf celery - 1 small bunch;
salt - 1-1.5 tbsp. l.

Preparation:

Leeks are washed under running water. Separate the cuttings from the leaves.
Dip leek leaves into boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes, drain in a colander. Then the cuttings are dipped into boiling water, boiled for 5-6 minutes and drained in a colander.
Leaves and cuttings are placed in a container, filled with cold water and left for 2 hours.
Remove the onion from the water, add salt, randomly chopped beets and chopped celery. Stir and leave for 2 days in a cool, dark place.
Then the resulting mass is placed in glass jars and stored in the refrigerator.

Prasa is served as a separate dish or as an appetizer. To do this, squeeze it out and cut it into small pieces. Add chopped walnuts, cilantro and parsley, hot pepper, season with mayonnaise.

With sesame and soy sauce

An original and tasty recipe for pickled leeks.

For preparation you will need:

leek stems - 2 pcs.;
ground red pepper - 1 tbsp. l.;
sesame - 1 tbsp. l.;
soy sauce - 2.5 tbsp. l.;
rice vinegar - 1.5 tbsp. l.;
olive oil - 3 tbsp. l.;
water - 1 l;
salt - 3.5 tbsp. l.;
table vinegar - 3.5 tbsp. l.

How to prepare:

The leek is washed under running water. Shred into large pieces.
The chopped vegetable is placed in a deep bowl, water, salt and vinegar are added. Leave for 2 hours.
Then the liquid is drained. Add pepper, sesame seeds, soy sauce, rice vinegar and olive oil to a bowl. Mix everything and leave for 15-20 hours.
The finished product is transferred to a glass jar and stored in the refrigerator.

The appetizer is used as an addition to side dishes.

Cold storage

The strongest bulbs without damage are washed and dried (until all moisture has evaporated from their surface). Then they are cut and placed in sealed bags. The bags are then filled with air and tied well.

This method of storing leeks in the refrigerator allows you to preserve their quality for up to 1 month. You just need to periodically fill the bags with air and tie them tightly.

If there is an additional chamber in the refrigerator with a temperature from -1°C to -3°C, you can store green onions in it for about 2 months. When storing in sub-zero temperatures, it is best to wrap the onions in paper.

Frozen storage

The beneficial qualities of onions are preserved when frozen, although its structure may change during defrosting.

The leek is washed and dried well, then cut into pieces of the required size and frozen.
Distribute the chopped onions in small portions into bags (it’s more convenient to use a zipper) so that you can use the right amount at once and not refreeze it.

Leeks can be stored frozen for 9 to 12 months.

Dried onions

For drying, cylindrical bulbs are used. After cleaning, they are cut into rings (4–5 mm), separated one at a time and laid out in one layer on a baking sheet.

The drying process should take place at a temperature of +50°C in an oven or dryer.
Dried leeks can be stored in glass or ceramic containers. The containers are placed in a cool, dry place and stored for up to 8 months.

You should not tightly close the container with dried onions; it is better to cover it with parchment paper or gauze folded in several layers.

Feathers are also dried. Then they can be crushed using a blender and used as a seasoning for first courses, as well as cold appetizers.

By following the rules for storing leeks, you can consume this healthy vegetable fresh for a long time, receiving all the vitamins and beneficial microelements it contains.