The bay tree
Laurus nobilis
Laurus nobilis is an aromatic evergreen tree or large shrub with green, glabrous leaves, in the flowering plant family Lauraceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is used as bay leaf for seasoning in cooking. Its common names include bay tree, bay laurel, sweet bay, true laurel, Grecia…
How do you identify a bay leaf tree?
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How to cook with bay leaves?
Cooking artichokes whole can be a bit of a tedious process ... Fill up a large pot with a couple inches of water and aromatics, like garlic, lemon slices, and a bay leaf. This will help give the artichoke more flavor. Then, place the artichoke in a ...
Where to find fresh bay leaves?
Why Fresh Bay Leaves Are Better Than Dried
- Cherry Tomato Packets with Shallots & Bay Leaves
- Bread-and-Butter Pickled Eggs
- Rigatoni with Bacon, Onion & Balsamic Vinegar
- Farro Pasta with Mushroom Ragu & Walnuts
- Domino Potatoes
- Mushroom & Red Rice Stuffing with Roasted Carrots
- Posole Rojo with Turkey or Chicken
- Capri-Style Seafood Salad
Where can I buy bay leaf plants?
Moon Valley Nurseries grows our Bay Laurel trees only from our best specimens and nurtures the finest Bay Laurel trees and shrubs ready to thrive in your landscape. Homeowners may want to use this medium to large evergreen as a hedge, as its dense habit makes it a good choice for use as a border or screen.
Is bay leaf fruit edible?
The fruit (black berries) is therefore borne by the female trees. Although the leaves are used in cooking, bay belongs to the poisonous Lauraceae family. Whole bay leaves are used almost exclusively as flavouring agents in food preparation and are normally removed at the end of cooking being brittle and inedible.
What can you do with bay leaf berries?
Historically, the bay berries have been used medicinally and for fragrances. They're known to be high in lauric acid, a potent antiseptic, and the berries have been used for his purpose traditionally. They were also used internally in some cultures to induce miscarriage as needed.
Which bay leaf tree is edible?
Mexican bay leaf (Litsea glaucescens) is often used in place of Laurus nobilis. The leaves are rich in essential oils. California laurel (Umbellularia californica), also known as Oregon myrtle or pepperwood, is safe to use for culinary purposes, although the flavor is more pungent and intense than Laurus nobilis.
Can you use bay leaves fresh from the tree?
You can use a fresh bay leaf straight from the tree, but you may find it has quite a bitter flavor compared to that of dried bay leaves. For this reason, I recommend harvesting and drying bay leaves in advance, to make sure you always have some dried and ready for cooking.
Can you eat bay laurel fruit?
Food: Both the fruity flesh under the skin and the nut itself are edible. The fruit is palatable raw for only a brief time when ripe; if too ripe, the flesh quickly becomes bruised, like an overripe avocado, and the volatile aromatic oils are so strong that the fruit is inedible.
Are bay laurel berries poisonous to dogs?
With the exception of Bay Laurel, the short answer is yes. All other Laurel hedging varieties (including berries) are poisonous to both humans and animals. Laurel hedge plants produce hydrocyanic acid which can cause serious complications if ingested.
How can you tell if a bay leaf tree is edible?
Among the tree's most distinguishing characteristics are:Bark: The tree's shiny gray bark dulls with age.Leaves: The shiny green aromatic leaves are thick and leathery. ... Flowers: Multiple clusters of tiny white and yellow flowers are produced in spring.More items...
Are any bay leaves poisonous?
Interestingly, lab studies on the essential oils in bay leaves have found that they may be toxic to some harmful pathogens, including certain strains of bacteria and fungus ( 3 , 5). However, they're not toxic to people and very safe to cook with.
Are bay leaves poisonous to humans?
This is not true; bay leaves may be eaten without toxic effect. However, they remain unpleasantly stiff even after thorough cooking, and if swallowed whole or in large pieces they may pose a risk of harming the digestive tract or causing choking.
When should you pick bay leaves?
midsummerAs mentioned, bay leaves can be harvested during the growing season, but if you wish to harvest a bunch at one time, harvest in the midsummer when the leaves are at their peak in terms of essential oils, hence flavor. Simply hand pick or snip off large, unblemished bay leaves for harvest.
How do I dry bay leaves from my tree?
To dry them is easy: just hang a branch in an airy spot and the leaves will dry in a couple of weeks. They are used probably more than any other herb, to flavour stocks, sauces, casseroles and marinades.
Should bay leaves be dried before using?
Fresh leaves, if overused, can be overpowering in a dish and might need to be removed early during cooking. Once dried, a lot of this vibrancy is lost. Dried bay leaves impart a more subtle flavour and are generally left in a dish as it cooks then retrieved before serving.
What is the bay tree?
L. nobilis is the Mediterranean tree also known as bay laurel that is used to flavor foods. It is also the bay tree type used by the ancient Romans to make ‘laurels,’ the leafy crown made to symbolize victory. In California, there is another “bay” tree called Umbellularis californica, or California bay. It has been used and sold commercially as L.
What are the names of the bay trees?
These different kinds of bay tree are bay in name only, such as red bay, loblolly bay and swamp bay. Luckily, they have certain features that make them identifiable. For instance, Magnolia grandiflora, which is known as southern magnolia or bull bay, and Persea borbonia, known as red bay, are found in uplands.
What plants are found in wetlands?
Others, like Gordonia lasianthus, or loblolly bay, and Magnolia virginiana (sweetbay) are commonly found in wetlands. M. virginiana and P. borbonia also have bluish-grey lower leaf surfaces while the others do not. Again, none of these are to be confused with L. nobilis.
How big is a bay laurel?
To truly identify which one is which, examine the fruit and flowers whenever possible. California bay fruit is ½-3/4 inches ( 1-2 cm.) across; bay laurel looks similar but half that size.
Can you use U. californica instead of bay laurel?
It has been used and sold commercially as L. nobilis. It also has the same typical bay flavor and aroma, but is harsher in flavor. U. californica can , however, be used as a substitute for common bay laurel ( L. nobilis) in cooking.
Do California bay trees have the same leaves?
The two trees look remarkably similar; both are evergreens with similar leaves, although California bay’s leaves are a bit longer. Neither will emit much of an aroma unless crushed and even then they smell comparable, although California bay has a more intense aroma. So intense it is sometimes called the “headache tree.”.
Is a bay tree the same as a nobilis?
Bay Tree Information. In Florida, there are several types of bay, but they are not of the same genus as L. nobilis. They do, however, look remarkably similar with their large, elliptical, evergreen leaves. They also grow in overlapping habitats leading to confusion.
Why are bay berries used?
Historically, the bay berries have been used medicinally and for fragrances. They're known to be high in lauric acid, a potent antiseptic, and the berries have been used for his purpose traditionally. They were also used internally in some cultures to induce miscarriage as needed. The berries were also used, presumably at lower dosages, to reduce flatulence.
What is a California laurel?
Don't confuse sweet bay laurel with the U.S. native known as California laurel (Umbellularia californica) or California bay. Hardy in USDA zones 7 through 9, California laurel also bears fragrant, peppery foliage used as culinary seasoning. Seeds inside California laurel's olivelike berries can be roasted and used as well. Exercise caution with California laurel. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service warns that some people experience toxic effects from ingesting oils contained in California laurel leaves. The tree also often carries the fungus that's responsible for sudden oak death disease, so it should be avoided if your property or properties nearby contain oak trees.
Can sweet bays flower?
Even when male and female sweet bays co exist in close quarters, the ability to flower and fruit properly depends on good health. Stressed, depleted plants falter with blossoms and berries. Sweet bay adapts to all soil types, pH levels from high acid to high alkalinity, and coastal salt sprays. The one thing it doesn't tolerate is waterlogged soil. Give sweet bay moderately moist yet fast-draining soil. Well-aerated roots support a healthy tree. Keeping sweet bay in tiptop shape helps berries and dense, leathery foliage stay packed with aromatic oils.
How to use bay leaves?
If you want to experiment with bay leaves, the easiest way to use them is simply to toss one or two whole leaves into a soup, stew, or braising liquid. Let it simmer along with any meat, vegetables, or stock, and it will infuse the food with a mild herbal flavor. You can also add a whole bay leaf to pickling brine when making pickled vegetables.
Where do bay leaves come from?
Bay leaves, also known as bay laurel or sweet bay, come from the Laurus nobilis plant, a woody shrub native to the Mediterranean ( 1. Trusted Source. , 2, 3. Trusted Source. ). They’re known for their subtle aroma and flavor, which comes from their essential oils.
Why do you remove bay leaves before cooking?
Bay leaves are a common herb that many cooks use when making soups and stews or braising meats. They lend a subtle, herbal flavor to dishes, but unlike other culinary herbs, it’s usually recommended that you remove bay leaves before serving a dish. Some people think it’s because they’re toxic when eaten .
What do bay laurel leaves look like?
Bay laurel leaves look similar to leaves of the evergreen shrub known as English or cherry laurel. However, the plants are very different, ...
How long do dried bay leaves last?
Dried bay leaves will keep for about 12 months. If you find fresh ones or you grow your own, you can dry them and store them in an airtight container. Alternatively, you can freeze the fresh leaves for up to 1 year. Adding fresh or dried bay leaves to your cooking liquid can enhance the flavor of your dish.
What are bay leaves used for?
summary. Bay leaves are a Mediterranean herb used to prepare soups, stews, or other slow-simmered foods. They don’t have a particularly good taste if you eat them plain, but if you use them during cooking, they can add a nice herbal flavor to your dish.
What color are bay leaves?
They’re deeply veined and have smooth but wavy edges. Shiny and dark green when fresh, bay leaves turn more of an olive color when dried ( 1. ). Bay leaves are a Mediterranean herb used to prepare soups, stews, or other slow-simmered foods.
What are the benefits of wild bay leaf?
Long ago Native Americans came to realize the importance of the Wild Bay Leaf tree. A specific paste was even made to treat various skin ailments. The leaves were also soaked or simmered in hot water to make a dressing to treat infections. Another important medicinal preparation they made was tea. The tea itself like other teas was used to treat coughs, flues, colds and other symptoms that similar sicknesses bring. Wild Bay Leaf was also used by some native tribes to treat conditions like headaches as well. Bowel conditions such as gastroenteritis were also treated through its use. In short this plant/tree has its fair share of wonder but we have yet to discover its true potential.
What is the name of the native plant in Oregon?
Umbellularia californica or Wild Bay Leaf as it’s called is another Native American plant/tree indigenous to the state of Oregon and likewise also California. It goes by many names, from California Bay to Cinnamon bush to headache or even peppernut tree. It has various unusual properties that set it apart from other plants in the region that range from a strange smell from its leaves to others that will be explained later on. This plant isn’t the same as the Common Bay Leaf plant and is very different although people confuse the both for one another.
What is BayLaurel used for?
They were also used internally in some cultures to induce miscarriage as needed. The berries were also used, presumably at lower dosages, to reduce flatulence.
What is a Mayday cherry?
A favourite specimen tree on prairie homesteads, Mayday Cherry produces small black berries that are inedible to people but highly desirable to birds. Its cherries are great for making for making jams and jellies (or wine), but are not very palatable for raw eating.
Is bay leaf safe to eat?
Actual bay leaves (Laurus nobilis) are safe, but the leathery leaves, which can be sharp on the edges, should always be removed from the dish before serving. Additionally, the following “ bay ” plants are also considered safe. Like Laurus nobilis, all are within the Lauraceae family. Can you eat Mayday tree berries?
Is bay tree berry poisonous to dogs?
The berries were also used, presumably at lower dosages, to reduce flatulence. Likewise, are bay tree berries poisonous to dogs? Yes, they are poisonous, i.e., bay laurel leaves are “toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, and toxic to horses” notes ASPCA. Additionally, they are also harmful to dogs including their berries if eaten in large quantities.
What is a bay leaf plant?
If you enjoy growing herbs, this is a great one to try, since it has a very aromatic flavor. Bay leaf plants are a member of the family lauraceae. These trees are native to the Mediterranean region and the leaves are often used in Mediterranean recipes.
When do bay leaf berries mature?
These mature over the summer and develop into blackish purple berries in the fall which contain one seed. If you grow it as a hedge and prune it often, you will have less in the way of flowers and berries. The flowers of bay leaf are quite showy. They start as small buds and open into clusters.
How long do you leave bay leaves in the oven?
Leave them for 2 weeks in a warm dry room. Store bay leaves whole in an air tight container. You can also grind them in a mortar and pestle if you wish, but I always use bay leaves whole. Dried bay leaves are very fragrant and do not disintegrate during the cooking process.
How long do bay leaves dry?
Harvest leaves from plants at least 2 years old. To dry the leaves, place them on parchment paper on a large tray in a single layer. Leave them for 2 weeks in a warm dry room. Store bay leaves whole in an air tight container.
What are the leaves of bay laurel used for?
The leaves of bay laurel plants have long been used to make wreaths, garlands and crowns. It is common to see the shape of a laurel crown on trophies. In early Greek and Roman times, crowns were created with stems of the plant to crown the athletes and rulers. The links to products below are affiliate links.
What is the PH of bay leaf?
Bay Leaf plants are tolerant of most soil types. Ideal PH range is 6-7, but the plant is somewhat versatile and can stand a range of 4.5 to 8.3. What it will not tolerate is soil that does not drain well. Applications of compost or other organic matter will help to keep the soil draining well.
What is Bay Laurel?
Bay Laurel was considered a sacred plant to the Greeks and Romans. Trees were often planted near temples and the foliage was burned during various rites. If you enjoy cooking stews and casseroles, your recipe may call for a bouquet garni.
Are bay laurel roots invasive?
If given the chance, bay laurel will have an invasive root system. You will want to keep all trees added a distance from the house and other structures, including walls, that is half of its mature height. Never plant them on top of a septic system, near a swimming pool or near sewer lines.
Is bay leaf toxic to cats?
Laurel bay leaves are toxic to cats and dogs. When ingested in small amounts, common symptoms of toxicity diarrhea and vomiting. Additionally, if your feline friend ingests large leaves, she may end up with gastrointestinal blockages as they are hard to digest.
What is Laurel good for?
Bay leaf is an herb that is commonly used in cooking. The leaves and oil are also used to make medicine. People use bay leaf for diabetes, cancer, stomach problems, pain, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Is bay leaf tea good for you?
There are many benefits of drinking bay leaf tea. Some of the most widely known benefits are: Bay leaves are a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Also regular inclusion of bay leaves in meals promotes general health.
How high does Laurel grow?
Ideal For Hedges: 1.5m - 5m high. Growth Rate: Average to Fast | 30-60cm a year. Position: Normal or dry soil, sun or full shade, exposed inland. Other gardeners also considered; Other Laurel hedge plants, Portuguese Laurel, Spotted Laurel, Compact Laurel for smaller gardens and Photinia hedging with red foliage.
How big do bay laurel trees get?
Planted in the garden, it can reach a mature height of 25-55 feet, although most are kept at 2-8 feet with persistent trimming.
Are bay leaves toxic to dogs?
Bay Leaf. A tasty addition to our recipes, but toxic to dogs. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and obstruction if a large amount of whole leaves are ingested.
Why Grow Your Own Trees With Edible Leaves?
Growing your own trees with edible leaves can be a great idea. Trees often take little work to grow, especially when compared to annual crops.
10 Trees To Grow for Edible Leaves
If you want to take advantage of this unusual source of spring greens, here are some trees with edible leaves to look out for.
1. Beech
The European beech (Fagus sylvatica), American beech (Fagus grandifolia) and Japanese beeches (Fagus crenata and Fagus japonica) all have leaves that are edible when very fresh and new.
2. Birch
European White Birch/ Silver Birch leaves can also be harvested and used in salads early in the spring. They have a hint of bitterness, somewhat akin to radicchio, and so are best used in combination with other, milder leaves.
3. Hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna, native to Europe, but naturalized in the United States and Canada, is traditionally a well-known edible in parts of the UK.
5. Mulberry
Mulberry trees are an incredibly useful tree. Not only do they produce an edible crop of berries later in the year, but they also provide leaves that can be eaten.
6. Maple
Maples are of course best known for their sap, which is used to make maple syrup.