Bay Leaf

See Recipes with Bay Leaf

Storage Tips: Look for leaves that are shiny and dark green on top and light green on the bottom

In general, fresh herbs should be stored in the refrigerator. Wrap the fresh Bay Leaves in a damp paper towel and store in a plastic bag on the top shelf for maximum shelf life

Fresh Bay can also be air dried, then the whole or crumbled leaves stored in an airtight container for up to two years.

Usage Ideas: Fresh Bay Leaf can be used in almost every recipe. Try adding it during cooking, or to soups and stew when simmering, just drop in two or three whole bay leaves before you cover the pot and remove shortly before serving.

Bay leaf adds an herbal fragrance to food similar to oregano and thyme.

Bay Leaf is a great addition to a bouquet garni. Start with a square sheet of cheesecloth the size of a sheet of notebook paper and add to it your favorite mixture of herbs, such as bay leaf, thyme, oregano, etc. Pull all of the corners and side up and tie the herbs into a small bundle using a long string. You can add this bundle of herbs to any pot of stew or soup and remove before service.

Fun Facts: Bay Leaves, also known as Laurel, come from Bay Trees, which were originally found in Asia, but are now common throughout the Mediterranean (5)

Fresh Bay was recognized by the ancient Greeks and Romans as a symbol of honor (7)

Bay Leaves contain a compound proven to treat migraines. In the Middle Ages, it was also used to treat stomach aches and to lessen the pain of bruises (3)