Why is thorough cleaning of leeks, especially the white and light green parts, essential?

Answer

Dirt often gets trapped between the tightly packed layers

Leeks grow in layers that stack tightly against one another, particularly in the denser, white and light green sections closer to the root base. This structural characteristic makes them highly susceptible to trapping significant amounts of grit and dirt during cultivation. Therefore, a crucial preparation step involves meticulous cleaning, such as slicing the leeks lengthwise and rinsing them carefully under running water, or employing a soaking and agitation method, to ensure all abrasive foreign material is fully dislodged before cooking or consumption.

Why is thorough cleaning of leeks, especially the white and light green parts, essential?
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