Looking like an enormous green onion with sturdy, deep green stalks forming a chevron patterned crown atop a thick cylindrical bulb, the leek is related to both the garlic and the onion, though its flavor and fragrance are milder and more subtle. Baby leeks are pencil thin, have a sweeter taste than mature leeks, and because of their smaller size, baby leeks are more tender. Leeks are available in most regions year-round. When buying leeks avoid any with yellow or withered tops. Leeks are great in salads, soups, or used as a whole vegetable. They are originally from the Mediterranean countries.