Aromatic Bay Leaf Use
Bay Leaf Use
Bay leaf is the aromatic leaf of the
laurel tree. On their own, they have a strong and
distinctive fragrance and flavor, but their main
strength lies in integrating the various flavors in a
culinary creation, while adding depth and richness to
it. It's one of the oldest known herbs in Europe, and is
native to the Mediterranean region.
History of Bay Leaf
The United States has its own variety,
the Californian bay laurel, and is grown in Georgia and
the Carolinas. The Indian bay leaf has a rather
different flavor, and was a favored ingredient in the
delicacies of the Moghuls, who valued grandeur and
perfection not only in their architecture - take the Taj
Mahal - but also in food. In ancient Greek and Rome,
heroes were crowned with wreaths woven from bay leaves -
and this is also from where we get the rather quirky
phrase, "resting on his laurels"!
Bay Leaf in Cooking
Bay leaf makes excellent seasoning for
poultry, fish and meat. Bay leaf comes together with
parsley and thyme resulting in the subtle yet flavorful
blend known as Bouquet Garni, and enhances the taste of
any stew, soup or sauce it is introduced into. It is an
important ingredient in many French, Moroccan and
Turkish dishes.
Health Benefits of Bay Leaf
The essential oil of the bay leaf is a
constituent of perfumes, and can be used as a massage
oil to relieve muscular soreness and enhance
circulation, and is also used in tonic formulations to
combat hair loss.
References:
http://www.answers.com/topic/bay-laurel
http://www.theepicentre.com/Spices/bay.html
http://www.aisef.org/spices/bay_leaf.htm
http://www.mccormick.com/content.cfm?id=8212
http://www.uni-graz.at/~katzer/engl/generic_frame.html?Cinn_tam.html
http://www.sallys-place.com/food/columns/gilbert/bayleaf.htm
http://www.essential7.com/essentialoils/bay.html
“Growing and Using Herbs and Spices” by Milo
Miloradovich (book)
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