In historical occasions, the Greeks and Romans made crowns out of bay leaves for victorious warriors after a battle (per MasterClass). As we speak, bay leaves have extra use within the kitchen than they do as a vogue accent. Bay leaves initially got here from the laurel tree native to the Mediterranean area, however kinds of bay leaves at the moment are grown in varied components of the world with every type having a special taste.
There are six kinds of bay leaves, with two getting used extra generally than the others. Mediterranean bay leaves, often known as Turkish bay leaves, have extra of a minty taste and are usually utilized in teas. Californian bay leaves, that are grown in California, are a bit stronger than the Turkish leaves and are utilized in stews, sauces, curries, and even ice cream (per Specialty Produce). There are additionally Indian, West Indian, Indonesian, and Mexican bay leaves.
Bay leaves will be discovered dried within the spice part of a grocery retailer or contemporary within the produce aisle. The leaves have an aroma just like that of oregano and thyme, as they’re each floral and natural. They are usually utilized in liquid-based recipes that require slow-cooking similar to stews and soups, and are faraway from the dish earlier than it is served.