Standard Bay Leaf

A bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) is a fragrant, dark green, leathery, elliptical leaf from a Mediterranean evergreen tree. It has a slightly bitter, pungent flavour with a warm, woody herbal aroma, commonly used to enhance savoury dishes such as soups, stews, and sauces. When dried, the leaves turn olive-green, become brittle, and may curl slightly at the edges.

Key Characteristics:

• Appearance: Glossy, dark green, oval-shaped leaves typically 1–4 inches long.
• Aroma/Taste: Subtly aromatic with a sharp, slightly bitter herbal flavour.
• Usage: Commonly used in bouquet garni, Mediterranean cooking, Indian spice blends (such as garam masala), and slow-cooked dishes like soups and stews.
• Form: Most often used in dried form, as fresh leaves can be more intense in flavour.