On 2016-04-15, Janet > wrote:

> It's just an idiom meaning leeks are a favourite food of poor people.
> It doesn't imply leeks taste like asparagus.

An "old" idiom, no doubt used by poor home gardeners, in France.

I don't know what yer paying, but there is nothing "poor" about either
the price or the ppl who CAN afford leaks, here in the USA. At least
asparagus goes on sale during its peak season. Recently, I saw it fer
$1.50/lb. Whereas leaks, much like Belgian endive, are almost never
put on sale, here, so "poor" ppl can afford them like they can afford
Champagne and caviar.

I remember my late brother's girlfriend, who was from Belgium. She
was astonished that B. endive was so outrageously expensive, here.
She told me she never paid more than $0.50/lb, in Belgium. I think
she paid $4.50/lb in Sacto, CA. This over 10 yrs ago!

I've NEVER seen leaks fer less than $3.89/lb and that's with HUGE
grn leaves still attached. Consequently, I've rarely made leak/potato
soup.

BTW, noticed lately, how brocolli crowns continue to be sold with
ever longer stems?

nb