Whole Bay Leaves
Inventory, 4 ct : 6.75
This item was last sold on : 11/12/24
Description/Taste
Bay leaves are long, oval, and taper to a slender point, averaging 7-10 centimeters in length and 3-5 centimeters in width. When fresh, these short-stemmed, dark green leaves are smooth and shiny on the surface and have lighter green coloring on the underside. When dried, Bay leaves are leathery, matte, and turn into a deep olive green. Fresh Bay leaves are more potent than dried leaves, but in either form, they offer a woodsy, herbal, and slightly floral aroma reminiscent of rosemary, pine, and citrus. On the palate, Bay leaves are mild with a bitter and sharp taste with notes of mace, cardamom, oregano, and thyme.
Seasons/Availability
Bay leaves are available year-round.
Current Facts
Bay leaves, botanically classified as Laurus nobilis, are the foliage of the shrub-like evergreen tree the bay laurel, which belongs to the Lauraceae, or avocado family. Bay laurels can reach heights as tall as twelve meters, and Bay leaves have been used for centuries across the world to flavor soups, stews, meat, and vegetable dishes. It is important to note that other plants are referred to and substituted for the Bay Laurel leaf which includes the Indian, Indonesian, and California "bay" leaf. Only the California bay leaf is of the same family as the laurel. Though the leaves mentioned above are similar in appearance, they do not carry the same flavor profiles or culinary attributes as the Bay Laurel leaf.
Nutritional Value
Bay leaves provide anti-oxidants, vitamins A and C, folic acid, copper, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, selenium, zinc, and magnesium.
Applications
Bay leaves are typically used dried and are best suited for cooked applications such as stewing, boiling, and steaming. They contain the compound, estragole, which provokes a soothing element to balance heat and spice while also adding depth by enhancing the perception of acidity and savory components. Bay leaves are used in stocks, sauces, soups, and stews. They are also used to flavor seafood, meats, vegetables, jerk chicken, massaman curry, and beans. Bay leaves pair well with aromatics such as garlic and onions, and herbs such as sage, oregano, parsley, and thyme. Bay leaves can be used whole or crushed, but if they are crushed, they should be contained in a tea infuser for convenient removal after cooking. It is not recommended to consume Bay leaves as they are stiff and can disturb the digestive tract. Dried Bay leaves will keep up to two years when stored in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Greece, the bay laurel tree has been a prominent symbol of celebration. The ancient Greeks believed that the herb symbolized wisdom, peace, and protection and because of these beliefs, Bay leaves were made into crowns to honor returning war heroes and champions of athletic events. The tree was also astrologically symbolic and deemed the tree of the Sun god under the celestial sign of Leo. Today Bay leaves are used in many eastern cultures to reduce dandruff, help detoxify the body, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion. They can also help reduce symptoms of indigestion and upset stomachs.
Geography/History
The bay laurel tree is native to Asia Minor and has been cultivated since recorded history. Trade routes carried the bay laurel tree to Ancient Greece and Rome and eventually the new world. The tree thrives in Mediterranean climates and will not tolerate cold regions. It grows in the Northern and Western Hemisphere throughout temperate Asia, Europe, Central and North America.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
| Little Frenchie | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Luce | San Diego CA | 619-275-2094 |
| Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens | Escondido CA | 915-861-2297 |
| The Shout House | San Diego CA | 619-231-6700 |
| Coco Maya by Miss Bs | San Diego CA | 858-245-3780 |
| Mister A's (Misc.) | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Harumama Sushi & Ramen (Ocean Beach) | San Diego CA | 858-886-9909 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Whole Bay Leaves. One
is easiest, three is harder.| BBC Good Food |
|
Beef Estofado |
| Culinary Nirvana |
|
Prawn Coconut Masala |
