Usage: Fresh bay leaves can be used to cook, but dried bay leaves are stronger in flavor. The leaves are generally discarded after being simmered in a sauce. Add one or two leaves early on in stews, soups, or gravies.

Info: Bay leaves are deeply rooted in Greek mythology for being a noble herb, signifying success and renown. Legend has it that Apollo wore a wreath made of bay leaves in remembrance of his beloved Daphne, who was turned into a bay laurel tree by the gods. Believe or not, bay garlands were actually given to the first Olympians!

Bay leaves come from an aromatic evergreen laurel tree. It consists of two varieties – Turkish bay leaves and California bay leaves.

Origin: Mediterranean region