Organosulfur Compounds and Why We Love Them

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year at least 2.8 million people become infected with antibiotic-resistant illnesses;¹ leeks, a rich source of organosulfur compounds (OCs), may hold a solution. A recent meta-analysis investigating the effects of OCs from leeks and other allium vegetables consistently found an antibacterial effect on a “broad spectrum of antibiotic resistant [bacteria].”² OCs also protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation, have anti-cancer properties, and are neuroprotective.^{3 4 5} Leeks are also a great source of vitamins A, C, and K1 as well as fiber. With a resumé like that, organic leeks deserve a regular spot on the dinner table!

Pesticides Layer by Layer

Conventional leeks are sprayed with a slew of pesticides.⁶ Though it may seem like peeling the outer layer of the leek would minimize pesticides, this is not the case. You may have noticed small bits of dirt or sand are sometimes nestled between the layers of a leek; this is because they grow outward layer by layer and can trap dirt and pesticides sprayed throughout its growing period.⁷ It’s always a good idea to give those veggies a good wash, but that won’t necessarily wash away pesticides on conventionally grown leeks. Choosing organic leeks is the way to go!

Less Waste, More Yum!

Many leek-based recipes insist you use the lower part of the plant and cut off the fibrous rich green tops. The tops are tougher to chew but worth hanging onto for myriad other uses. You might give those green leafy tops a new life as a flavor builder in a broth or soup. Laying the leaves under a roasting chicken can infuse the meat with notes of mild onion. You might even dehydrate leek tops to blend into a powder much like onion power, or as a crunchy salad topper. There are many ways to level up with leeks, but be sure to always choose organic!

Try Our Leek Gratin Recipe

Never underestimate the power of the humble leek, especially when sweet and tender and topped with a savory, buttery crumble topping. This recipe is delicious comfort food and just a plain ol’ good side dish.

GET THE RECIPE

Leeks are part of the pungent allium family that includes garlic, shallots, scallions, and onions. Delicious and nutritious but be warned: Though leeks are full of health benefits for humans, they are toxic to cats and dogs, so be sure to keep them away from your furry friends!

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, October 5). About antibiotic resistance. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/about.html
2. Guillamón, E., Andreo‐Martínez, P., Mut-Salud, N., Fonollá, J., & Baños, A. (2021). Beneficial Effects of Organosulfur Compounds from Allium cepa on Gut Health: A Systematic Review. Foods, 10.
3. Caroline R. Hill, Armaghan Shafaei, Lois Balmer, Joshua R. Lewis, Jonathan M. Hodgson, A. Harvey Millar & Lauren C. Blekkenhorst (2023) Sulfur compounds: From plants to humans and their role in chronic disease prevention, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 63:27, 8616-8638, DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2057915
4. Miękus, N., Marszałek, K., Podlacha, M., Iqbal, A., Puchalski, C., & Świergiel, A. H. (2020). Health benefits of plant-derived sulfur compounds, glucosinolates, and organosulfur compounds. Molecules, 25(17), 3804.
5. Zeng, Y., Li, Y., Yang, J., Pu, X., Du, J., Yang, X., Yang, T., & Yang, S. (2017). Therapeutic Role of Functional Components in Alliums for Preventive Chronic Disease in Human Being. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2017, 9402849. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/9402849
6. Pesticide Action Network. (2018). Leeks. Pesticide Info. https://www.pesticideinfo.org/california-pesticide-use/california-crop-…
7. Leeks. Organic Authority. (2018, October 22). https://www.organicauthority.com/cooking-dictionary/leeks