Chieftain^® Wild Rice Company

BAY LEAVES, SEMI SELECT

Description:

Bay Leaves or Laurel, are the dried leaves from the evergreen Laurus nobilis or Bay Tree native to the Mediterranean.  The leaves are light green and are brittle when dried.  Displaying a strong aromatic and spicy essence, they do not develop their full flavor until several weeks after picking and drying.  Used in cuisines all over the world, they compliment hearty, home style cooking.  When you are making bean, split pea and vegetable soups, meat stews, spaghetti sauce, and chili, Bay Leaves can be added for a more pungent flavor.  Romans considered the Bay Tree a symbol of glory, Nero believed Bay Trees purified the air and Roman victors would wipe the blood from their swords with the leaves.  In Greece and Rome Bay Leaves were used to make Crowns of Laurel for athletes and poets.

Suggested Use:

Used in soups, stews, stocks, pickles, marinades, tomato dishes, and meats.  Bay Leaves match well with beans, wild game, lentils, potatoes, risotto, and shellfish.  Bay Leaves are often used in bouquet garni (a bundle of herbs tied together and removed before serving).