Know your Kurrat

• • The Egyptian leek is perennial, growing to 1m (3 ft).

  • It is hardy to zone 0.

  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees, and other insects.

Know your Kurrat - Kitchen Notes

• • Edible parts are the the flowers, leaves and the root.

  • The root bulb is eaten raw or cooked.

  • The leaves are eaten raw or used as a flavouring in cooked dishes.

    • The whole plant can be cooked and used like leeks (A. ampeloprasum var. porrum).

  • The flowers are eaten raw, normally used as a garnish on salads.

Know your Kurrat - Nutrition

• • Although no specific mention of medicinal uses has been seen for this species, members of this genus are in general very healthy additions to the diet.

  • They contain sulphur compounds (which give them their onion flavour) and when added to the diet on a regular basis they help reduce blood cholesterol levels, act as a tonic to the digestive system and also tonify the circulatory system[K].