Description Bay Leaf or Laurel Leaf are dried leaves
or an evergreen shrub or more rarely a tree
attaining a height of 15 to 20 mtrs. The upper
surface of the leaf is glabrous and shiny, olive
green, and lower surface is dull olive to brown
with a prominent rib and veins. The aroma of
the crushed leaves is delicate & fragrant
and taste is aromatic and bitter. The size of
the leaves is ranging from 2.5 to 7.5 cms in
length and 1.6 to 2.5 cms in breadth. The shape
is elliptical and tapering to a point at the
base and tip of the leaves.
Origin
and Distribution It is a native of Mediterranean and grow
widely in scrub land woods in Europe and California.
It widely cultivated in Europe, America and
Arabian countries. It is not cultivated as a
commercial crop in India.
Uses Bay leaves are used as flavouring in
soups, stews, meat, fish, sauces and in confectionaries.
Both leaves and fruits possess aromatic, stimulant
and narcotic properties. The essential oil from
the leaves are also used as spice and food flavouring
agent and has wider application in traditional
medicines of different countries. The major
functional properties are anti-microbial, anti-fungal,
hypoglycaemic, anti-ulcerogenic etc.
