Fresh Bay Leaves – Organic – Freshly Picked (approx. 50 California Bay Leaves)
Specifications
| All Returns Accepted | Returns Accepted |
| Item Must Be Returned Within | 30 Days |
| Refund Will Be Given As | Money Back |
| Return Shipping Will Be Paid By | Buyer |
| Product | Single Spice |
| Food Specifications | Organic |
| Type | Bay Leaves |
| Brand | Unbranded |
These bay leaves are freshly picked, carefully rinsed, and air dried before packaging. Fresh bay leaves are seldom available in markets and have a much more intense flavor than dried leaves. You can use these leaves fresh or allow them to air dry. Once dried, store the bay leaves in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. **Fresh bay leaves will arrive in a padded envelope with delivery confirmation** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** Bay leaves are the aromatic leaves of the bay laurel (Laurus nobilis, Lauraceae). Both fresh and dried bay leaves are used in cooking, and both have a distinctive flavor and fragrance. However, fresh bay leaves impart more flavor than dried bay leaves. Bay leaves are one of the most widely used culinary herbs and are often used to flavor soups, stews, braises and pâtés in Mediterranean cuisine. Vitamin and mineral content of the bay leaf Bay leaves are used a few at a time and are not actually consumed. Rather they are used to provide a unique flavor and then removed before serving. Even though they are removed from the final dish, bay leaves still provide a number of vitamins and minerals to the dish. Indeed, bay leaves are rich in Vitamin C, folic acid, Vitamin A, and other B- complex vitamins. Bay leaves also contain a number of important minerals, such as copper, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, selenium, zinc, and magnesium. Bay leaves are also a potent antimicrobial, antioxidant, astringent, carminative, diuretic, emetic, stomachic, and anti-inflammatory agent. Health benefits of the bay leaf In ancient times, bay leaves were used to treat liver, kidney and stomach ailments and to sooth wasp and bee stings. Today, bay leaves are used by herbalists to treat variety of illnesses. Some of the most useful applications of bay leaves include: • Placing boiled bay leaves on a person’s chest to relieve chest infections, flu, coughs and bronchitis. • Massaging bay leaf oil on sprains, swellings, backache and arthritic and rheumatic pains. • Using the essence of bay leaves to settle the stomach and help to treat digestive disorder (especially disorders due to ingested proteins), including the reduction of flatulence. • Using a bay leaf rinse to treat dandruff. Flavor Bay leaves, when added to certain dishes, add a flavor that is both flowery and spicy. Bay leaves can be added to slow-cooking stews, soups, fish or meat entrees, cheese sauces, and even puddings and beverages. When choosing bay leaves, keep in mind that there are two varieties: California bay leaves which are potent and mint-scented, and Turkish or Mediterranean bay leaves which are more subtle. The California variety have long, thin leaves, while Turkish leaves are short and fat. Bay leaves have many other unique, yet helpful uses. Bay leaves discourage mice. Leave a few near mice holes if you have a mouse problem. Bruise a little to release the odor. Bay leaves in kitchen cabinets keep away ants and small bugs. Bay leaves make pleasant additions to floral and wreath arrangements. Put a couple of bay leaves into your stored flour or grains to stop weevils (nasty bugs that produce cobwebs in your stored grains and cereals) Cooking Because fresh bay leaves are more flavorful than dried bay leaves, use one fresh leaf for every two dried leaves. For example, if a recipe calls for two fresh bay leaves, use four dry bay leaves. However, if the recipe calls for crushed, dried bay leaves, use one fresh leaf for every 1/2 tsp. of crushed dry bay leaves. Allow the whole dry bay leaves to sit in the dish you are preparing for at least 30 minutes to release their flavor. Remove bay leaves from food before serving. If you plan to refrigerate leftovers, keep the bay leaves in the leftovers to accentuate their flavor in the fridge.