What are Bay Leaves Dried?

The bay leaf is the aromatic leaf of the sweet bay tree and is also known as the laurel tree. It is often used in adding flavor to foods. The bay leaf has a long history that dates back to ancient times. Bay leaf plants can either be used as ground bay leaves, which are also referred to as bay leaf powder, or whole bay leaves. The leaf itself is the major part of the plant that contains the flavorful and much-desired essential oils. This aromatic bay leaf plant is indigenous to Asia, where it spread to Mediterranean countries and is now a popular staple in their diets. The bay leaf herb, or bay leaf seasoning, as it is alternately called, originates not just from one plant but from different plants of the same Lauraceae family. These plants include bay laurel, California bay leaf, India bay leaf, Indonesian bay leaf, West Indian bay leaf, and Mexican bay leaf. It is a popular spice, especially in the Mediterranean diet, that is used to add flavor to stews and a wide range of other dishes.

Fresh bay leaves contain about 2 percent of essential oils, which is responsible for their rather flavorful aroma and bitter taste. Thankfully, the aroma of whole bay leaves is more noticeable in dishes than its taste, as this same sweet smell is used even in perfumeries to add fragrances to the different product lines. The laurel plant loosely translates to Dafni in the Greek language. According to ancient Greek mythology, the origin of this name came into existence when Apollo showed some unrequited interest in Daphne. The gods would grant Daphne protection from Apollo by turning her into a bay tree. This made the laurel leaf a very revered leaf, as even the goddess of Delphi would often chew the leaves in order to enter into a state of trance and divination. This would later be revealed to be the narcotic effects of the bay leaves, as even emperors and warriors would begin adopting this practice. Cooking with bay leaves introduces a sweet aroma to the dish. This makes it a highly coveted spice and a well-known food condiment. In our world today, the largest production of bay leaves is done in turkey, as the atmospheric conditions are well suited to its survival. 

How do I use Bay Leaves Dried?

Usually left in a dish while it cooks, then extracted before serving, dried bay leaves offer a more subdued taste. Fresh dried bay leaves lose their scent with time, hence there is no alternative for them.

Bay Leaves Dried Benefits:

Bay leaf spice has a whole lot of health benefits. Aside from its application in cooking, bay leaves contain some components that are really advantageous to human health. Bay leaf benefits include:

◉ Bay leaves for diabetes: The bay leaf plant is effective in helping to lower glucose and cholesterol levels in the blood. This makes it advantageous for people suffering from type 2 diabetes. Whether it is used as a bay powder spice or whole bay leaves, the bay leaf plant is a great dietary addition for people with diabetes.

◉ Improves digestive health: The components of the bay leaf make it very effective for digestion. It can help with flatulence, constipation, and even heartburn.

◉ Pain Reliever: The essential oils sourced from the bay leaf can help with inflammation, thereby reducing pain and swelling.

◉ Suitable for women’s health: Bay leaf can help induce normal menstruation when taken orally. It is also effective in curing vaginal discharge.

Where can I buy bay leaves dried?

Buy bay leaves Dried from the health food store in the , .

Bay Leaves Dried Information (at a glance):