Where did the bay leaf originate?
Bay leaves come from several plants, such as:
- Bay laurel ( Laurus nobilis, Lauraceae ). ...
- California bay leaf. ...
- Indian bay leaf or malabathrum ( Cinnamomum tamala, Lauraceae) differs from bay laurel leaves, which are shorter and light- to medium-green in colour, with one large vein down the length ...
What tree does the bay leaf come from?
Delicious, fragrant bay leaves come from the bay laurel, a perennial shrub or tree with pale yellow flowers and black fruit, attractive olive-to-reddish bark, and dark leathery leaves. Bay leaves are incredibly versatile. The herb's flavor complements rice dishes, soups and stews, Catalan and Greek recipes, and Creole cuisine.
Is Laurel and bay leaf from the same plant?
Yes, the laurel leaf and the bay leaf are the same thing. Bay leaves come from an ancient Mediterranean tree called the bay laurel tree or Laurus nobilis, from the family Lauraceae. Besides bay leaves, laurel leaves, or bay laurel, they are also sometimes called sweet bay or true laurel. Spanish speakers call them laurel and in Italian they are alloro.
What is the history of bay leaves?
- California bay leaf, Umbellularia californica
- Indian bay leaf, Cinnamomum tamala
- Indonesian bay leaf, Syzygium polyanthum
- Mexican bay leaf, Litsea glaucescens
- West Indian bay leaf, Pimenta Racemosa
- Turkish bay leaf, Laurus nobilis
Who discovered the bay leaf?
the Ancient GreeksBay leaves are endemic to the Asia Minor region of the Middle East along the coast of what is now Turkey. The tree was discovered by the Ancient Greeks over 3,000 years ago and was brought back to Greece and Rome for cultivation.
What cultures use bay leaves?
They are a fixture in the cooking of many European cuisines (particularly those of the Mediterranean), as well as in the Americas. They are used in soups, stews, brines, meat, seafood, vegetable dishes, and sauces. The leaves also flavour many classic French and Italian dishes.
What is the purpose of a bay leaf?
Essentially, it adds another layer of flavor to a soup or stew, and the tea-like (oh-so-slightly menthol) aromas help lighten up a hearty dish, so it's less likely to bog you down after a big meal. If you're making homemade broth or stock, the bay leaf shines more.
Where bay leaf is found?
bay leaf, also called laurel leaf, leaf of the sweet bay tree (Laurus nobilis), an evergreen of the family Lauraceae, indigenous to countries bordering the Mediterranean.
What happens if you burn bay leaves in your house?
Some of the benefits of the burning the bay leaf in your house are : Anxiety relief : A chemical in the leaves when burnt gives rise to smoke, which when inhaled calms the body and mind. Reduction of fatigue: Feeling tired? Burn some bay leaves and see how your senses become alert once more.
What civilization and God is tied to bay leaves?
All agree that Apollo was so astounded by the tree's beauty that he claimed the laurel as his own and dedicated it to reward the highest achievements of Greek civilization. Bay was first an herb of poets, but also of oracles, warriors, statesmen, and doctors.
What happens if you eat a bay leaf?
Bay leaves are NOT dangerous to eat. This is an extremely common myth but holds no merit. It is believed that this myth began because there are leaves that look strikingly similar to the bay leaf (mountain laurel and cherry laurel leaves) that are poisonous to humans and animals.
Can you grow bay leaves?
You can plant an already-established bay laurel tree in your backyard if you want to harvest the leaves quickly. You can also plant a bay laurel tree from seeds found at your local garden center. It may take a couple of years for your tree to mature and produce bay leaves for you to use.
Is it OK to eat bay leaves?
Whether you call them bay leaves, bay laurel, or sweet laurel, this Mediterranean herb is a common ingredient in soups, stews, or braised meats. It's recommended that you remove the whole leaves or leaf pieces before eating. However, it's not because they're poisonous, but rather because they can be a choking hazard.
Is bay leaf from cinnamon tree?
These are quite different to the European bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) and are actually leaves from a type of cinnamon tree. The flavor is distinctly clove-like, slightly spicy and refreshing....(Cinnamomum tamala or C. zeylanicum)Botanical Name(Cinnamomum tamala or C. zeylanicum)Common NamesTejpat, Cinnamon Leaves3 more rows
What is bay leaf called in Jamaica?
Known simply as "the spice tree" in some parts of the Caribbean, this large, towering tree is also known as "sweet bay" and the "bay rum tree." A species of plant in the myrtle family and related to allspice, it's found throughout the Caribbean.
Do bay leaves have healing properties?
Traditionally, it has been used as herbal medicine against number of diseases such as rheumatism, sprains, indigestion, earaches, and to enhance perspiration (Fang et al., 2005). It was reported by different researches that bay leaf can also be used to treat diabetes and migraine (Fang et al., 2005).
Where do bay leaves come from?
Bay leaves come from several plants, such as: Bay laurel ( Laurus nobilis, Lauraceae ). Fresh or dried bay leaves are used in cooking for their distinctive flavour and fragrance. The leaves should be removed from the cooked food before eating (see safety section below). The leaves are often used to flavour soups, stews, ...
What is a bay leaf?
Bay laurel leaves ( Laurus nobilis) Indian bay leaf Cinnamomum tamala. Indonesian bay leaf Syzygium polyanthum. The bay leaf is an aromatic leaf commonly used in cooking. It can be used whole or in a dried or ground form.
How many essential oils are in a leaf?
The leaves contain about 1.3% essential oils (ol. lauri folii), consisting of 45% eucalyptol, 12% other terpenes, 8-12% terpinyl acetate, 3–4% sesquiterpenes, 3% methyleugenol, and other α- and β- pinenes, phellandrene, linalool, geraniol, terpineol, and also contain lauric acid .
How do crushed leaves help mold?
The crushed, fresh, young leaves are put into the jar under a layer of paper. The vapors they release kill insects slowly but effectively and keep the specimens relaxed and easy to mount. The leaves discourage the growth of molds.
What side of the grill do you put bay leaves on?
The bay leaves are soaked and placed on the cool side of the grill. Pimento sticks are placed on top of the leaves and the chicken is placed on top and smoked. The leaves are also added whole to soups, stews, and other Caribbean dishes.
What are the uses of a sage leaf?
They are used in soups, stews, brines, meat, seafood, vegetable dishes, and sauces. The leaves also flavour many classic French and Italian dishes. The leaves are most often used whole (sometimes in a bouquet garni) and removed before serving (they can be abrasive in the digestive tract).
How much ash is in bay leaves?
Canadian food and drug regulations. The Canadian government requires that the bay leaves contain no more than 4.5% total ash material with a maximum of 0.5% of which is insoluble in hydrochloric acid. To be considered dried it has to contain 7% moisture or less.
How long is a bay leaf?
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.
What is bay leaf used for?
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.
What is the significance of the laurel wreath?
It was also believed that the la urel provided safety from the deities responsible for thunder and lightning.
Why did Delphi oracles chew bay leaves?
According to legend the Delphi oracle chewed bay leaves, or sniffed the smoke of burning leaves to promote her visionary trances. Bay, or laurel, was famed in ancient Greece and Rome. Emperors, heroes and poets wore wreaths of laurel leaves.
What is the health benefit of bay leaf?
Health Benefits of Bay Leaf. 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.
How long do dried leaves last?
Whole leaves are often used in cooking and crushed or ground leaves can be used for extra strength. Kept out of light in airtight containers the whole leave will retain flavour for over two years.
Does bay leaf help with migraines?
It contains compounds called parthenolides, which have proven useful in the treatment of migraines. Bay leaf has also been shown to help the body process insulin more efficiently, which leads to lower blood sugar levels.It has also been used to reduce the effects of stomach ulcers.
Where do bay leaves come from?
Bay leaves come from the bay laurel plant, an evergreen shrub that grows slowly in warm climates. The plants are grown for ornamental use and dried and used in cooking. The thick and leathery leaves are elongated with pointy ends. Most often, recipes call for dried bay leaves, which have a slightly stronger scent than fresh.
What are bay leaves?
Back to Top. Bay leaves are a fragrant leaf from the laurel tree used as an herb. Bay leaves are available whole—either fresh or dried—or ground into a powder. The leaves are added to slow-cooked recipes, such as soups, sauces, and stews, and are removed before serving the dish. They have a floral and herbal scent reminiscent ...
How long do bay leaves last?
Fresh bay leaves can be placed in a sealed zip-top bag and stored in the refrigerator where they will last for a week or two. Dried bay leaves can be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry, and dark spot, such as the spice cabinet or pantry; they will last up to two years before losing their aroma. You can also store the sealed dried bay leaves in the freezer, which will help the bay leaf retain its flavor and floral potency.
What are the benefits of eating bay leaves?
Benefits of Bay Leaves. Cooking with bay leaves adds flavor without adding extra sodium, fat, or calories. If ground bay leaf is used, small amounts of vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as iron, calcium, and manganese may be consumed. 1 .
What are the different types of bay leaves?
Varieties of Bay Leaves. There are two main varieties of culinary bay leaves: Turkish (or Mediterranean) bay leaves and California bay leaves. The Turkish variety is the most common, with a more subtle flavor compared to California bay leaves, which have more potency and a slightly mint taste. They are distinguishable by the shape ...
What is the meaning of bay leaves?
Bay leaves have a long history, originating as an ornamental symbol of honor and success, and worn by Roman and Greek emperors, as well as Olympians, scholars, heroes, and poets.
Can you cut a bay leaf in half?
Simply add the whole dried leaf to the recipe and take out once the dish is finished cooking. If using the fresh, California bay leaves, add half of the amount called for (which may mean tearing a leaf in half).
Overview
Sources
Bay leaves come from several plants, such as:
• Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis, Lauraceae). Fresh or dried bay leaves are used in cooking for their distinctive flavour and fragrance. The leaves should be removed from the cooked food before eating (see safety section below). The leaves are often used to flavour soups, stews, braises and pâtés in many countries. The fresh leaves are very mild and do not develop their full flavour unti…
Chemical constituents
The leaves contain about 1.3% essential oils (ol. lauri folii), consisting of 45% eucalyptol, 12% other terpenes, 8-12% terpinyl acetate, 3–4% sesquiterpenes, 3% methyleugenol, and other α- and β-pinenes, phellandrene, linalool, geraniol, terpineol, and also contain lauric acid.
Taste and aroma
If eaten whole, bay leaves are pungent and have a sharp, bitter taste. As with many spices and flavourings, the fragrance of the bay leaf is more noticeable than its taste. When the leaf is dried, the aroma is herbal, slightly floral, and somewhat similar to oregano and thyme. Myrcene, a component of many essential oils used in perfumery, can be extracted from the bay leaf. They also contain eugenol.
Uses
In Indian cuisine, bay laurel leaves are sometimes used in place of Indian bay leaf, although they have a different flavour. They are most often used in rice dishes like biryani and as an ingredient in garam masala. Bay (laurel) leaves are called tezpattā (तेज़पत्ता, in Hindi) and তেজ পাত in Assamese.
In the Philippines, dried bay laurel leaves are used in several Filipino dishes, such as menudo, bee…
Safety
Some members of the laurel family, as well as the unrelated but visually similar mountain laurel and cherry laurel, have leaves that are poisonous to humans and livestock. While these plants are not sold anywhere for culinary use, their visual similarity to bay leaves has led to the oft-repeated belief that bay leaves should be removed from food after cooking because they are poisonous. This is not true; bay leaves may be eaten without toxic effect. However, they remain unpleasantl…