Bay leaves are a fragrant leaf of the bay tree used as an herb. Bay leaves are available whole, fresh or dried, or ground into a powder. They have a floral, herbal aroma reminiscent of oregano and thyme and are used more frequently than any other herb.
PREPARATION AND USE
Add bay leaves to slow-cooked meals: If you're cooking beef stew, short ribs, or pasta on the stovetop or in a crock pot, try adding 1 or 2 whole bay leaves.
Use bay leaves to add an earthy touch to soups, stews, and sauces.
Boil or steam fresh foods with bay leaves to enhance their natural flavor: try adding 2 or 3 leaves to the water you use to cook tender or delicate offerings such as root vegetables, greens, and fresh fish and shellfish.
Scatter bay leaves around your kitchen to ward off common pests. Leave a few dried leaves on your pantry shelves or around your dry food storage containers to ward off mice, ants, flies, cockroaches, weevils, and other unwanted creatures.
THE HEALTH BENEFITS
Good for diabetes control and can reduce bad cholesterol levels.
They are also a good source of iron, helping with anemia.
Bay leaves may have an impact on the gastrointestinal system by preventing gastric damage and promoting urination.
Bay leaf is also a source of essential oil. The essential oil extracted from this leaf can be used to relieve various respiratory conditions.
