Basics

Bay leaves come form the Bay Laurel Tree, an evergreen native to the Mediterranean. It can be used fresh or dried. The fresh leaves have much more flavor than dried. Also cultivated in California these leaves have much more flavor, and are made more widely available.

Producers

California and Turkey are the primary suppliers of Bay Leaves.

Aromatics and Flavors

Highly pungent when fresh, can be bitter is not used sparingly.

Culinary Uses

Bay leaves can be used in nearly anything containing a liquid. Generally removed when the aromatics are extracted. Also available ground, it can be mixed with other herbs and spices such as pickling spice.