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.
