All of our leeks are firm and smooth, free of blemishes, and have characteristic white stems with dark green leaves. The cut bottoms should be flat, as rounded bottoms may indicate prolonged storage. We will pack them on the packing shed washing them which assures that it will not have any dirt residues and that will be the appropriate length.
Quality
We will pre cool the crop in the hydro cooler and then after being washed and packed in a carton or RPC box it is topped with crushed ice. This helps achieve the optimum temperature for extending the postharvest life. Leeks will be trimmed so that only at 30.5 cm (12 in) portion of the green top remains. They can, DEPENDING ON DIAMETER be bunched in groups of three and Placed in polyethylene film bags to Prevent moisture loss and if the clients requires it.
Temperature
Leeks can be stored for 2 to 3 mo at 0 ° C (32 ° F) with 95 to 100% RH. High RH is essential to prevent wilting. Good refrigeration retards elongation and curvature that develops in leeks at 10 to 21 ° C (50 to 70 ° F). Leeks held in polyethylene lined crates remain sellable for 5 to 6 weeks at 0 ° C (32 ° F) under crushed ice, 4 weeks at 0 ° C.
