Bay Leaves

Where to buy them, how to use them, and more!

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Bay leaves are aromatic leaves that are used as a seasoning herb. They come from a laurel tree.

Bay leaves are usually added whole to food before the food is cooked and then removed after cooking. A lovely flavor is transferred from the bay leaf to the food during cooking.

There are many kinds of bay leaves, but two kinds are most commonly used in cooking. Make sure you buy the right kind for your dish. (See below.)

Where to buy bay leaves

First, it is important to note that there are two primary types of bay leaves: California bay leaves and Turkish bay leaves.

California bay leaves are longer and thinner than Turkish bay leaves and have a minty taste.

Turkish bay leaves (also known as Mediterranean bay leaves) are shorter and thicker and have a more delicate flavor.

If your recipe calls for bay leaves and doesn’t specify which kind to use, it is usually best to use Turkish bay leaves. Otherwise your dish may come out different than you would like.

Here is a link to the bay leaves that I buy. And you can also find bay leaves in the herbs and spices section at just about any grocery store.

Are bay leaves healthy?

Yes, bay leaves are a healthy seasoning for foods.

Bay leaves can be eaten in their ground form. However, the whole leaves are rigid and tough with sharp edges so it is best to remove the leaf after cooking and before serving.

Different types of bay leaves

There are several different types of bay leaves. California bay leaves and Turkish bay leaves are the most common.

You can also find:

Indian bay leaf
Indonesian bay leaf
Mexican bay leaf
West Indian bay leaf

If your recipe calls for bay leaves and doesn’t specify which kind to use, it is usually best to use Turkish bay leaves.

Usually bay leaf comes in a dried, whole leaf form. But you can also find it powdered.

How do you use bay leaves?

Bay leaves are generally added whole to a dish before it is cooked. As the food cooks, the flavor of the bay leaf is infused into the food. And then the bay leaf is removed after cooking.

Be sure to remove the leaf before serving the food. Although they are not toxic and are a perfectly healthful food, they should not be eaten in their whole form because the whole leaves are tough and have sharp edges and can be a choking hazard.

How to store bay leaves

Bay leaves should be stored in a sealed container in a dry, cool place.