The most common variety of bay leaves are that of the bay laurel tree, which are also known as Turkish bay leaves. There is, however, another variety of bay leaves known as California bay leaves.
Is there different types of bay leaves?
There are two main types of bay leaf: Turkish (or Mediterranean bay leaf) and Californian. The Californian bay leaf is, of course, native to California, but the Turkish variety is the most common.
Which bay leaves are best?
Culinary Types of Bay Leaves
In general, the preferred culinary bay tree leaves remain Laurus nobilis. The flavor is described as milder with a slight menthol quality. Leaves from Umbellularia californica, on the other hand, are considered stronger with a more medicinal eucalyptus flavor.
Is there a difference between fresh and dried bay leaves?
Fresh bay leaves have a notably bitter taste and pungent aroma, but dried bay leaves take on more herbal notes reminiscent of thyme and oregano. Due to this flavor difference, bay leaves are best used in their dried form.
What kind of bay leaves are used in cooking?
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.
Are there poisonous bay leaves?
So are bay leaves dangerous to eat? 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.
Are all bay leaves suitable for cooking?
As mentioned, bay leaves come from the laurel plant, a shrub that grows in the warmer regions of the world. Now, it’s important to note that there are different varieties of the laurel plant, and only the plants labelled as Laurus nobilis are suitable for cooking.
What are the side effects of bay leaves?
Taking bay leaf in large amounts might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives. Taking large amounts of bay leaf along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness.
How can you tell if a bay leaf is edible?
So which bay trees are edible? Actual bay leaves (Laurus nobilis) are safe, but the leathery leaves, which can be sharp on the edges, should always be removed from the dish before serving. Additionally, the following “bay” plants are also considered safe. Like Laurus nobilis, all are within the Lauraceae family.
Do you wash bay leaves before drying?
Washing Bay Leaves Before Drying Them
Wash the fresh bay leaves under running water until any dirt is removed from the surface and they are clean. Lay each one down on some paper towels or on a clean and dry dishcloth. Fold over and pat away any excess water or moisture.
Can you use fresh bay leaves in soup?
Bay leaves don’t hit you over the head with intense aromatic flavor presence, but if they’re included in a slow simmering soup, stew, or braise, they do add a subtle flavor layer that’s going to lend a little more depth to whatever you’re cooking.
How long do bay leaves need to cook?
The moral of the story: Feel free to add bay leaves to dishes with cooking times as short as a few minutes, but to really maximize their flavor, simmer them for a full hour. Even quick-cooled dishes benefit from bay leaves.
How do you pick a bay leaf?
Select the largest leaves when harvesting bay leaves. Unlike other herbs that are at their peak when young and tender, bay leaf has a more intense flavor when older.
How long do dried bay leaves last?
Properly stored, dried bay leaves will generally stay at best quality for about 1 to 3 years. To maximize the shelf life of dried bay leaves purchased in bulk, and to better retain flavor and potency, store in containers with tight-fitting lids.
Does a bay leaf really add flavor?
When the herb is infused into water, broth, or another cooking liquid, an almost minty flavor (somewhere between spearmint and menthol) develops, with subtle hints of black pepper and Christmas tree pine. They add a subtle bitterness that keeps heavy soups and stews from being so, well, heavy.
What does bay leaf do to meat?
“Bay leaves don’t hit you over the head with intense aromatic flavor presence, but if they’re included in a slow-simmering soup, stew or braise, they do add a subtle flavor layer that’s going to lend a little more depth to whatever you’re cooking.”
Are dried bay leaves poisonous?
Cooking with the whole dried leaf is probably the simplest way to add flavor to your dishes. Remember, bay leaves are not poisonous but don’t forget to remove the leaf prior to serving (or use finely ground bay leaves and don’t worry about it).
Are bay leaves a narcotic?
In the Greek language, the herb is still called “dafni.” At the Temple of Delphi, which is dedicated to Apollo, the priestesses would eat bay leaves before divining the future. Because bay leaves are mildly narcotic, this may have helped induce the trance state.
Is drinking bay leaf water good for you?
Yes, drinking bay leaf water is good for you as it is an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins and other essential minerals. In addition, drinking bay leaf water can improve your immune system, increase body metabolism and can help reduce one’s weight.
What is the difference between bay leaves and Turkish bay leaves?
JKLA: The California bay leaves tend to have a much stronger menthol flavor. They have a little bit more of that eucalyptus note. In general, they’re a little more one-dimensional than the Turkish bay leaves. The Turkish bay leaves are milder, more nuanced and a little bit sweeter in flavor.
Are bay leaves toxic to dogs?
Can Dogs Eat Bay Leaves? Bay leaves are toxic for dogs. They have eugenol and other toxic essential oils in them.