Parts Used
Leaves
Preparation and storage
Fresh and dried leaves are used in cooking. Crushed leaves are also used in condiments. It should be stored in tight containers to safe the aroma and flavor of bay leaf.
Culinary Uses
Bay leaves are slightly bitter in taste, so they are taken out of the dish. It is added when cooking, just to add aromatic flavor.
It is traditional ingredient of French cuisines. It is used in the preparations of chicken, sauces, for garnishing, added to stews and bland vegetables.
They are also characteristic of the cuisines of India, Brazil, Greece, Germany, Eastern Europe, Jamaica and Scandinavia.
Medicinal Uses
- During middle ages, it is thought to induce abortions and to ward off evil energies.
- It is said to have many properties to treat high blood sugar, migraine, headache, bacterial and fungal infections and gastric ulcers.
- Bay oils are used for bruising and sprain.
- Bay leaves are reported to be anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial.