Indian Bay Leaves 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.
What tree do bay leaves come from?
The true “bay leaf”, also known as “bay laurel” or “sweet bay”, is sourced from the tree Laurus nobilis, a native of the Mediterranean region.
What spices come from cinnamon tree?
In addition to Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), other species used as a source for cinnamom include Chinese cassia (Cinnamomum cassia), Vietnamese, or Saigon cinnamon (Cinnamomum loureiroi), Indonesian cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii), and Malabar cinnamon (Cinnamomum citriodorum).
Is a bay tree the same as a bay leaf tree?
bay tree, any of several trees with aromatic leaves, especially the sweet bay, or bay laurel (Laurus nobilis; family Lauraceae), source of the bay leaf used in cooking. Native to the Mediterranean region, sweet bay is an attractive evergreen tree that can reach as many as 18 metres (60 feet) in height.
Why is bay leaf poisonous?
Interestingly, lab studies on the essential oils in bay leaves have found that they may be toxic to some harmful pathogens, including certain strains of bacteria and fungus ( 3 , 5). However, they’re not toxic to people and very safe to cook with.
Can you use bay leaves fresh from the tree?
Bay is evergreen and its leaves can be harvested throughout the year, whenever required. They are best used fresh, although they can be dried easily.
Is cinnamon and cloves from same tree?
The bark is thicker, and more often, cinnamon sticks are from this source. They will be just one layer that has curled. Cloves are actually the dried flower buds of an evergreen tree native to the Spice Islands (Malaku Islands) in Indonesia – Syzyium aromaticum.
Is bay leaf and allspice same?
Also known as West Indian bay leaves, Allspice leaves are ofteed similarly to bay leaves in recipes and are a prominent flavor in Caribbean cuisine, specifically Jamaican jerk seasoning. The name “allspice” was coined by the English around 1621, presumably because of the plant’s rich bouquet of aromas and flavors.
Do cinnamon and nutmeg comes from the same tree?
Nutmeg and mace are obtained from the plant, nutmeg tree (botanical name – Myristica fragrans houtt) but the cinnamon is getting from different plant called a cinnamon tree (botanical name – Cinnamomum zeylanicum). These trees are grown in different parts of India, mainly in Kerala.
Can I eat bay leaves from my bay tree?
Cooking with Bay Leaves
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.
What is the best bay leaf plant for cooking?
Laurus nobilis
Laurus nobilis, sometimes sold as true bay, bay laurel or Grecian bay, is the best culinary species. The similar California bay tree is Umbellularia californica. While California bay can be used in cooking, its flavor is harsher, more camphoric. If you do use it, add about half as much as you would true bay.
Where do the best bay leaves come from?
These come from the California bay tree, or California laurel, which is a different type of tree. California bay leaves are thinner, longer, stronger in flavor, and have a minty taste.
What is bay leaf tea good for?
Bay leaf is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. These vitamins are all known to support a healthy immune system. Bay leaf tea can help ease bouts of upset stomach. The tea is also very aromatic, which can help relieve sinus pressure or stuffy nose.
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.
Do fresh bay leaves need to be dried?
Ideally, dry the leaves for between 48 and 72 hours. If you would rather have bone dry bay leaves, allow the leaves to dry for two weeks in a warm area that is out of direct sunlight. Why are you drying the leaves? Fresh bay leaves tend to be rather bitter and drying them tempers their bitterness.
Which is better fresh or 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.
How do you dry bay leaves from a tree?
To dry them is easy: just hang a branch in an airy spot and the leaves will dry in a couple of weeks. They are used probably more than any other herb, to flavour stocks, sauces, casseroles and marinades.
What is the local name for cinnamon?
Cinnamomum verum (AKA C. zeylanicum), known as “Ceylon cinnamon” after its origins in Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), is considered to be “true cinnamon”, but most cinnamon in international commerce is derived from four other species, usually and more correctly referred to as “cassia”: C.
What two spices come from the same tree?
One tree, but two incredibly different spices. Yes, the nutmeg tree is this huge evergreen tree, which produces both nutmeg and mace. The nutmeg is the seed kernel found inside the fruit, while mace is the lacy covering (aril) on the kernel.
What plants are related to cinnamon?
Laurel Family (Lauraceae) True cinnamon comes from the bark of the cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), a member of the Laurel Family (Lauraceae). Another species of Cinnamomum (C. camphora) is the source of camphor oil, a monoterpene essential oil distilled from the twigs, leaves and wood.
What type of spice is a bay leaf?
Bay leaves are an herb plucked from the evergreen tree, Lauris nobilis, also known as the bay laurel tree. (Not to be confused with the California bay laurel, Umbellularia californica.) Bay laurel trees are part of the greater Lauraceae family which includes other important plants like cinnamon and avocado trees.