Synonyms
Apollo’s Bay Leaf, Bay, Bay Laurel, Dhafni, Feuille de laurier, Foglia di alloro, Grecian Laurel,
Hoja de laurel, Indian Bay, Laurel, Laurier franc, Lauro, Lorbeerblatt, Nobel Laurel, Poet’s Laurel, Roman Laurel,
Royal Laurel, Sweet Bay, Sweet Laurel, Wre |
| General Information
The bay leaf is oval, pointed and smooth, 2.5 - 8 cm (1 to 3 in) long. When fresh, the leaves are shiny and dark green on top
with lighter undersides. When dried the bay leaf is a matte olive green.
Bouquet: Warm and quite pungent when broken and the aromatic oils are released.
Flavour: Slightly bitter and strongly aromatic.
Hotness: Mild |
| Medicinal Use
Bay leaves and berries have been used for their astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emetic and
stomachic properties. Bay Oil, or Oil of Bays (Oleum Lauri) is used in liniments for bruising and sprains. In the Middle Ages it
was believed to induce abortions and to have many magical qualities. It was once used to keep moths away, owing to the
leafs lauric acid content which gives it insecticidal properties. |
| Traditional Use
Bay leaves are widely used throughout the world. It may be best known in bouquets garnis or used similarly in soups, sauces,
stews, daubes and courts-bouillon’s, an appropriate seasoning for fish, meat and poultry. Bay leaf is often included as a
pickling spice. |
