( Allium tuberosum )     Description   The Chinese Leek belongs to the family of Liliaceae. Its small seed is black coloured and irregularly prismatic-shaped; each gram contains about 200 seeds. Chinese leek sprouts require quite a long time to grow: the complete germination takes about two weeks.   Properties   They are rich in Vitamin A, B, C, E and minerals, especially calcium, phosphorus iron, sulphur and magnesium. They have good curative properties: they help reduce cholesterol and reinforce the immune system, have a good antiseptic power and are effective as tonic for the nerves and as weak laxative.