Bay Leaves

All about bay leaves, the different kinds of bay leaves, how to use them, and where to buy them.

If you purchase anything through the links on my site, your cost is the same, but I receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting this ad-free site!

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

Bay leaves provide a deep flavor in dishes that can’t be found in other herbs. In most recipes, the whole leaves are added to food before the food is cooked and then removed after cooking. A lovely flavor is transferred from the 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.

The California variety are longer and thinner than Turkish ones 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 the Turkish variety. 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 this herb in the herbs and spices section at many grocery stores.

Are bay leaves healthy?

Yes, bay leaves are a healthy seasoning for foods.

They can be eaten in their ground form. And the whole leaves can be added to foods. 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. The California variety and Turkish variety are the most common.

You can also find:

Indian
Indonesian
Mexican
West Indian

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

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

How do you use bay leaves?

This herb is commonly used in soups, stews, beans, and lentils.

The leaf is 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 it’s 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.