Raffi at 16:46, 20 May 2010

2010-05-20T16:46:30Z

Envoy at 04:49, 25 September 2007

2007-09-25T04:49:43Z

New page

:''For the Pokémon character, see [[Bayleef]].''

[[Image:BayLeaves.jpg|thumb|300px|right|bay leaves]]
'''Bay leaf''' in Greek Daphni (plural '''bay leaves''') is the aromatic leaf of several [[species]] of the Laurel family ([[Lauraceae]]). Fresh or dried bay leaves are used in cooking for their distinctive flavor and fragrance.
*''[[Laurus nobilis]]'', is a culinary [[herb]] often used to flavor soups, stews, and braises and pâtés in Mediterranean Cuisine. The fresh leaves are very mild and do not develop their full flavor until several weeks after picking and drying.

*California bay leaf
:The leaf of the California bay tree (''[[Umbellularia californica]]''), also known as 'California laurel', 'Oregon myrtle', and 'pepperwood', is similar to the Mediterranean bay but has a stronger flavor.

*"[[India]]n bay leaf" (also ''tej pat'', ''tejpat'', or ''tejpata'')
:The leaf of the ''[[Malabathrum|Cinnamomum tejpata]]'' (malabathrum) tree is similar in fragrance and taste to [[cinnamon]] bark, but milder. In appearance, it is similar to the other bay leaves but is culinarily quite different, having an aroma and flavor more similar to that of [[Cassia]]. It is inaccurately called a bay leaf as it is of a different genus (though the same family) as the bay laurel.

== Taste and aroma ==
If eaten whole, bay leaves are pungent and have a sharp, bitter taste. The flavor of the California bay leaf is a bit more intense and bitter than the Turkish. As with many spices and flavorings, the fragrance of the bay leaf is more noticeable in cooked foods than the taste. When dried, the fragrance is herbal, slightly floral, and somewhat similar to [[oregano]] and [[thyme]]. [[Myrcene]], an essential oil used in perfumery can be extracted from the bay leaf. The flavor and aroma of bay leaves owes in large part to the [[essential oil]] [[eugenol]].

==Culinary use==
Bay leaves are a fixture in the cooking of many European cuisines (particularly those of the Mediterranean), as well as in North America. They are used in soups, stews, meat, seafood, and vegetable dishes. The leaves also flavor classic French dishes such as [[bouillabaise]] and [[bouillon]]. The leaves are most often used whole (sometimes in a [[bouquet garni]]), and removed before serving. In Indian cuisine, bay leaves are often used in [[biriyani]] and many salans.

Bay leaves can also be crushed (or ground) before cooking. Crushed bay leaves impart more of their desired fragrance than whole leaves, and there is less chance of biting into a leaf directly.

== History/region of origin ==
Ancient Greeks and Romans crowned victors with wreaths of laurel. The term "baccalaureate," means laurel berry, and refers to the ancient practice of honoring scholars and poets with garlands from the bay laurel tree. Romans felt the leaves protected them against thunder and the plague. Later, Italians and the English believed bay leaves brought good luck and warded off evil. The given name and surname "Laurence," is derived from the Roman name for the plant and the honorary practices using its boughs of leaves and berries. Other versions of the name are "Lawrence," "Loritz," "Laritz" and the Hungarian, "Lorinc." In Scandinavian languages, "Laurence" became the common "Lars."

== Facts ==
Mountain laurel leaves are poisonous to certain livestock and are not sold anywhere as a spice (cousin species) (britannica). This has led to the mistaken belief that bay leaves should be removed from food after cooking because they might poison humans. Bay leaves are safe to eat, however, a person may accidentally swallow a leaf, and the leaves remain stiff even after several hours of cooking.
{{unreferenced|date=August 2007}}
{{Herbs & spices}}

[[Category:Herbs]]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-:''For the Pokémon character, see [[Bayleef]].''
+{{SPlantbox
-[[Image:BayLeaves.jpg|thumb|300px|right|bay leaves]]
+The '''Bay Laurel''' (''Laurus nobilis'', [[Lauraceae]]), also known as '''True Laurel''', '''Sweet Bay''', '''Laurel Tree''', '''Grecian Laurel''', '''Laurel''', or '''Bay Tree''', is an aromatic [[evergreen]] [[tree]] or large [[shrub]] reaching {{convert|10|–|18|m}} tall, native to the [[Mediterranean region]].
-*"[[India]]n bay leaf" (also ''tej pat'', ''tejpat'', or ''tejpata'')
+The [[leaf|leaves]] are 6–12&nbsp;cm long and 2–4&nbsp;cm broad, with a characteristic finely [[serrated]] and wrinkled margin. It is [[plant sexuality|dioecious]], with male and female [[flower]]s on separate plants; each flower is pale yellow-green, about 1&nbsp;cm diameter, borne in pairs together beside a leaf. The [[fruit]] is a small black berry about 1&nbsp;cm long, containing a single [[seed]].{{Citation needed|date=December 2009}}
-== Taste and aroma ==
+It is widely cultivated as an [[ornamental plant]] in regions with [[mediterranean climate|mediterranean]] or [[oceanic climate]]s, and as an indoor plant in colder regions.
-==Culinary use==
+An evergreen Tree growing to 12m by 10m at a slow rate. It is hardy to zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. The flowers are dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required) and are pollinated by Bees. The plant is not self-fertile.{{pfaf}}
-Bay leaves can also be crushed (or ground) before cooking. Crushed bay leaves impart more of their desired fragrance than whole leaves, and there is less chance of biting into a leaf directly.
+==Cultivation==
-== History/region of origin ==
+Succeeds in any soil of moderate fertility[1], preferring a moisture retentive well-drained fertile soil[200]. Succeeds in dry soils. Prefers full sun but succeeds in light shade[200]. Plants are fairly wind hardy, but they do not like extreme maritime exposure[166] or cold dry winds[202]. The plant is not fully hardy in all areas of Britain and may require protection in severe winters. When dormant it is reliably hardy to about -5°c, with occasional lows to -15°c, these lower temperatures may defoliate the tree but it usually recovers in late spring to summer[200]. Laurus nobilis angustifolia (Syn 'Salicifolia') is somewhat hardier and has the same aromatic qualities[182]. The bay tree is a very ornamental plant[1] that is often cultivated for its leaves which are used as a food flavouring. Some named forms exist[202]. When bruised, the leaves release a sweet aromatic scent[245]. The tree is highly resistant to pests and diseases[14, 201] and is also notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. This species has been held in high esteem since ancient times[244]. It was dedicated to Apollo, the god of light and was also a symbol of peace and victory[244]. It was used to make wreaths for emperors, generals and poets[11, 89, 244]. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
-== Facts ==
+===Propagation===
-Mountain laurel leaves are poisonous to certain livestock and are not sold anywhere as a spice   (cousin species) (britannica).  This has led to the mistaken belief that bay leaves should be removed from food after cooking because they might poison humans. Bay leaves are safe to eat, however, a person may accidentally swallow a leaf, and the leaves remain stiff even after several hours of cooking.
+Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early autumn in a greenhouse[200]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first year. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer and give them some protection from the cold for at least their first winter outdoors[K]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Can take 6 months[1, 14]. Cuttings of mature side shoots, 10 - 12cm with a heel, November/December in a cold frame. Leave for 18 months. High percentage[78]. Layering.
-[[Category:Herbs]]
+===Pests and diseases===

Bay leaf - Revision history

Raffi at 16:46, 20 May 2010

Envoy at 04:49, 25 September 2007