Bay leaf

Scientific name: Laurus nobilis

 

Bay leaf image

 

About this spice

Also known as “noble laurel” and “sweet bay,” the bay tree can grow to a height of 30 feet in its native Mediterranean environment. When fresh, bay leaves have a slightly bitter taste; however, as they dry, they sweeten and have a strong aroma. Our bay leaves are shipped whole, and the light-green, brittle leaves are ready for use in a number of recipes.

 

How to use this spice

The various uses of bay leaf are too many to list, but we’ll list a few that you’ll find especially welcome in your kitchen. But don’t get carried away! Bay leaf is a powerful spice—a half of a leaf is usually enough to begin with. Use bay leaf to flavor marinades, stews and soups, fish, puddings, and sauces.

 

Spice trivia

Next time you watch the Olympics, think about the important role that the bay leaf has played in the games. Victors traditionally were crowned with bay wreaths or garlands. Also, we get the term “baccalaureate” (literally, “laurel berries”), which refers to academic honors, from the bay. Bay leaves (and other parts of the bay tree) also have been used medicinally, to treat such things as infection, and as an insect repellant. Such is the power of the bay, that it also was used to keep evil “at bay.”