How to Store Leeks
Leeks hold fairly well if kept cold and humid, especially with roots and some wrapper leaves intact. Clean, dry handling helps prevent rot in storage.
Best storage conditions
Store at 32 to 36 F with high humidity, around 95 percent. Keep them dark in the refrigerator or root cellar.
How long it keeps
Usually 2 to 3 months under ideal cold storage, or about 1 to 2 weeks in a typical home refrigerator.
Storage methods
Do not trim roots or remove too many outer leaves if storing longer term. In the refrigerator, keep leeks in a perforated bag and avoid washing until use. In a root cellar, they can also be set upright in slightly damp sand or soil.
Freezing & preserving
Freeze sliced leeks after washing, usually with a brief blanching step if desired. Drying is also possible for soup mixes. For canning, use tested USDA or NCHFP recipes, and because leeks are low-acid they require pressure canning.
Tips
Keep them away from foods that absorb odors easily. Check for slimy leaf bases and use those leeks first.
General home-storage guidance. For home canning and preserving safety, follow USDA and National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP) guidelines. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.