Laurus Nobilis Tree: Bay Leaf Uses
The Laurus Nobilis Tree is also known as the bay laurel or Grecian laurel.
It is originally from the Mediterranean. This tree provides the bay leaves that are used in ethnic cuisine. The leaves are a popular seasoning in curry dishes, Thai food and Italian food.
Bay Leaf Cafe, Fitzrovia, London (Photo credit: Ewan-M)
People use the leaves from this tree in a variety of ways. For example, the flavor goes well with tomatoes and peppers and this is why it is used in Italian dishes a lot, because these have lots of fresh ingredients like garlic and tomatoes. They also taste good in sauces and stews. People who do not use a lot of salt in their cooking may opt for salt free seasonings that contain this ingredient.
A bowl of dried bay leaves for use in cooking (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
These trees are usually tall and can reach heights of eighteen meters. If you have one in your garden, you can control its height by pruning it. The leaves can be used fresh but are also dried to help preserve them. They are sharp and have an abrasive effect. For this reason, after whole leaves have imparted their flavor to dishes they are usually removed. This decreases the likelihood of them causing damage to tender tissues inside the digestive tract. If the leaves are ground, they are usually not removed.
A leaf of the Bay Laurel Laurus nobilis. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Laurus Nobilis tree provides leaves for cooking and even for adding flavor to beverages like the Bloody Mary. However this plant also has a number of medicinal properties. The leaves are a strong antiseptic and used to be applied in cases of smallpox and diphtheria. They also assist people who have stomach problems or lack an appetite.
A close-up of several Bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) leaves. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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Published in: Do-It-Yourself
momofplenty | May 2, 2012 | Reply
Liked it!
SharifaMcFarlane | May 2, 2012 | Reply
Thanks
girishpuri | May 2, 2012 | Reply
useful leaves, thanks
jennifer eiffel01 | May 2, 2012 | Reply
Good share. My mom uses these in beef stew and we try to see who gets the bayleaf. We do not eat it though. It just adds a yummy taste to it.
lauralu | May 3, 2012 | Reply
great article i use them in soup
SharifaMcFarlane | May 3, 2012 | Reply
Thanks for sharing that Lauralu.
SharifaMcFarlane | May 3, 2012 | Reply
@Pattiann
That should be tasty.
Sunjhini | May 3, 2012 | Reply
we have got a plant of bay leaf in our garden … nice share
Margaret Boseroy | May 3, 2012 | Reply
I just had a curry dish with bay leaves in it last night. I did pick them out. Nice to know more about it. Thanks.
gaby7 | May 3, 2012 | Reply
Your articles just get more interesting every time I drop by! I am not sure I wouid have come across this amazing Laurus Nobilis tree ever!
SharifaMcFarlane | May 3, 2012 | Reply
You’re welcome Girish.
SharifaMcFarlane | May 3, 2012 | Reply
@Gaby, Sunjhi and Margaret,
Thanks
sloanie | May 3, 2012 | Reply
My Wife uses bay leaves a lot in her cooking and we have a bay leaf bush in are garden. Thanks for your excellent tips and ideas.Your picture of the traditional full English breakfast had my mouth watering.
Eunike | May 3, 2012 | Reply
Good one
Safa | May 4, 2012 | Reply
the breakfast looks delicious.. any idea what kind of sausage it is?
Tiki33 | May 4, 2012 | Reply
The can be used in many dishes. Thanks for sharing this well written article.
SharifaMcFarlane | May 4, 2012 | Reply
You’re welcome
SharifaMcFarlane | May 4, 2012 | Reply
@Safa
That cafe serves halal meals (prepared as prescribed by Muslim law). Thus, the sausages are definitely not pork. I can’t say whether these are chicken or another type of meat that is allowed.
SharifaMcFarlane | May 4, 2012 | Reply
@Safa
That cafe serves halal food which is prepared in accordance with Muslim dietary law. So the sausages are definitely not made of pork. I can’t say whether chicken or another meat is the main ingredient.
SharifaMcFarlane | May 5, 2012 | Reply
You’re welcome Eunike.
SharifaMcFarlane | May 5, 2012 | Reply
@Sloanie
I wish I had a tree
yes me | May 7, 2012 | Reply
Cheers for the ups on this one sharifa
SharifaMcFarlane | May 7, 2012 | Reply
Cheers Matt!
papaleng | May 8, 2012 | Reply
So this is the tree that bears this bay leaves that my wife regularly use cooking his fave dish. Thanks for the information.
SharifaMcFarlane | May 8, 2012 | Reply
Lol
You’re welcome
jennifer eiffel01 | Jun 19, 2012 | Reply
I never thought to use it anything but beef stew. That is the only food my mom cooks it in.