”THREE-CORNERED LEEK 🌱
(Allium triquetrum)This pungent allium is abundant and can be found in most seasons if you know where to look. It’s a great alternative to spring onion or Chinese chive, whether fresh or fermented. I’ve already used it in kimchi.
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However, be cautious. It’s illegal to plant this in the wild under section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act in England and Wales. This means intentionally digging it up and planting it elsewhere or giving it to someone to plant could mean a fine. Landowners should prevent its spread. The act also covers other invasive plants, fungi and animals, including Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam and muntjac.
Since it’s invasive, I only collect it where I know it hasn’t been sprayed. Many councils spray it and should be leaving a sign if they do. I search carefully for good soil and untouched areas before collecting. Because it’s so abundant when I see it on private land (and front gardens), I usually ask landowners if they’d like me to “weed” it out. I’m happy to help in return to take away thiss flavourful plant. I first used this leek when I was about 15. I was asked to remove it, which is listed as invasive and can easily take over. The triangular stem has a strong oniony smell when crushed. This is important because you might pick similar-looking greens. As shown in the video, I found lords and ladies, snowdrops, bluebells, dogs mercury and many other woodland plants among it. Checking carefully when picking and processing is crucial. Being careless/disrespectful is where the problems start. Last year, I made a lot of this leek, including many of the following: – 3 Cornered Leek Green Oil – Burnt 3 Cornered Leek Oil (a take on burnt spring onion oil) – Crispy 3 Cornered Leek – 3 Cornered Leek Tart Tatin – 3 Cornered Leek Kimchi – 3 Cornered Leek Sauerkraut – 3 Cornered Leek Pesto – 3 Cornered Leek Chermoula – 3 Cornered Leek pickled bulbs – 3 Cornered Leek Pesto – 3 Cornered Leek Pesto, Caviar (with seeds), Leek & Carlin Pea Miso and Leek & Magnolia Petal Nigiri.
