[jenw]

Some of my leeks have produced flower stems, I cut them off as fast as I saw them but can you eat the stems, some of the ones I got this weekend seem to be all stem. Also what are the reddy brown beetlr bugs that are eating into the stems and how do I stop them next year? Thanks!

[AndyRVTR]

Hi.. IMHO it sounds like you may have allium leaf miners. 
They normally damage the plants, but usually its then followed by fungal infection which causes the plants to rot.
The only thing that can help in future is to cover with fleece/enviromesh to stop the flys laying their eggs in the first place, as far as I know there is no pesticide available that can control the miners once the plants have been infected.
Someone should be along soon to offer more/better advice... 

[jenw]

Thanks! Couldn't find any pictures/advice in my books to identify them!

[seedman]

Try this link has pic of the maggots that do the damage no chemical control available.
http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=643

[mumofstig]

This year there has been a lot of Leek Moth, and much further North than the RHS seems to think 

http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=652

[Growster...]

I wanted to know about the stems too Jen!

They are pretty hard, but presumably won't be that bad if liquidised?

The terxture of a leek does seem to change once it has started going to seed though. We just run a sharp knife down the length, hoik out the stem, and use the rings (what's left), for soup, or another creation from Mrs G, a Cauli-leek-cheese...

[AndyRVTR]

When a leek goes to seed it causes the neck or lower stem of the leek to become woody and tough. The leek will also become bitter but while you can still eat the leeks that have gone to seed, you probably won’t like the flavour, but I guess it depends on what flavours you actually like. 

[Growster...]

When a leek goes to seed it causes the neck or lower stem of the leek to become woody and tough. The leek will also become bitter but while you can still eat the leeks that have gone to seed, you probably won’t like the flavour, but I guess it depends on what flavours you actually like. 

That's about right Andy.

They're not exactly 'pleasant' when they've gone to seed are they!

OK in soup, with the centre rod removed, but after that - errrrr.....

[jenw]

Thanks for all your all you advice, I'll take the middles out and cover the leeks next year!