Bay Leaf |
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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. |
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| 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. |
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