Bay Leaf

Laurus Nobilis

Bay Leaf / Laurus Nobilis / Bay Leaves Whole /Herbal Tea & Craft Supply / Organic Dried Herbs / Bay Leaves Laurel Dried Cut Loose

ORIGIN OF BULGARIA
Botanical Name: Laurus Nobilis
Other Names: Sweet Bay, True Laurel, Mediterranean Bay, Bay Laurel, Roman Laurel, Noble Laurel, True Bay, Laurel Tree

Bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) belongs to the Lauraceae family and is an evergreen aromatic tree or shrub. It is commonly known in English as bay leaf, sweet bay, true laurel, or Mediterranean bay. The plant grows naturally in warm and temperate regions.

Bay leaves are leathery, glossy green, and oval-shaped. When dried, their aroma becomes more pronounced. They have a slightly bitter, sharp, resinous, and spicy flavor. This distinctive aroma infuses into dishes during cooking; however, the leaf itself is usually removed before serving and not eaten.

Usage: A simple tea can also be prepared from bay leaves. Add one or two dried leaves to a cup of hot water, steep for about five to ten minutes, then remove the leaves and enjoy the tea plain. For added flavor, lemon peel or a cinnamon stick can be included.

In cooking, bay leaves are widely used to add fragrance to meat, fish, vegetable, soup, sauce, and pickle recipes. They are especially popular in slow-cooked dishes such as stews, casseroles, and soups.

At home, dried bay leaves are valued for their pleasant, natural scent and are often used in potpourri or as a natural air freshener. Some people also keep them in closets as a traditional way to deter moths.

Traditional Use

Bay leaf is an essential kitchen herb and a traditional household tea. It is traditionally used:

• In the kitchen: soups, broths, stews, roasts, bean and lentil dishes, sauces, marinades and pickles
• As a tea after meals, to support digestion, ease gas and bloating and freshen the breath
• As a calming evening cup, to support relaxation and restful sleep
• As a warming tea to support the respiratory system
• To support the body's natural elimination of fluids and comfortable joints

Harvest & Character

Whole dried leaves of the bay laurel tree (Laurus nobilis), olive-green with a warm, slightly floral, herbal aroma.

Disclaimer: These statements and products have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. If you have a health concern or condition, consult you doctor. Always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet or using any new product.