Bay Leaves

Bay leaves are the foliage of the shrub-like tree, Bay Laurel belongs to the family, Lauraceae. There are several varieties of bay leaves are found and used worldwide.  The most famous varieties are Laurel Bay Leaf, The Indian Bay leaf, Indonesian Bay Leaf and California bay leaf. The Major producers of Bay Leaves are Turkey, Columbia, India, France, Russia, Belgium, North America and Italy.

Description:

Bay leaves are dried leaves used as a spice, have a sharp, pungent and bitter taste. The fragrance of bay leaf is herbal, slightly floral, and similar to oregano and thyme. The Upper surface of the leaf is glabrous and shiny, olive green, and a lower surface is dull olive to brown with ribs and veins. The shape of the leaves is elliptical and tapering to point at the base and tip.

Storage:

Bay Leaves can be stored in an airtight container away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Then, they will remain their flavor for about one year.

Uses:

The Bay leaves are pungent and sharp flavor and used in a fresh, dried, or powdered form. Bay leaf is used to add flavor in several dishes worldwide and extensively used in Indian, Nepalese and Bhutanese cuisine. They are used as a flavoring agent in soups, stews, meat, fish, seafood, vegetable dishes, and sauces and in confectionaries. The essential oil from the leaves is also used as a flavoring agent.

Health Benefits:

There are many Health’s Benefits mentioned below,

• Treat Diabetes
• ImpIndigestionetion
• Protect heart problems
• Boost Immune system
• Prevent Cancer
• Relives Pain
• Prevent Birth defects
• Cure Sleep disorder
• Cure for Oral Disease
• Fight Infection
• Insect Repellent
• Treat Kidney Problem
• Treat Hair Problem

Nutritional Value of Bay Leaves:

Nutritional Value of Bay Leaves contain per 100gms is mentioned below:

Energy                                 313 kcal

Carbohydrates                  75 g

Fiber         26.3 g

Fat                                      8.4 g

Protein                              7.6 g

Vitamins

Vitamin A                          6185 IU

Vitamin C                          46.5 mg

Vitamin E                           0 mg

Vitamin K                           0 mcg

Thiamin                              0.0 mg

Riboflavin                          0.4 mg

Niacin                                 2 mg

Vitamin B6                         1.7 mg

Folate                                 180mcg

Choline                               0 mg

Betaine                              0  mg

Minerals

Calcium                               834 mg

Iron                                       43 mg

Magnesium                        120 mg

Manganese                        8.2 mg

Phosphorus                         113 mg

Potassium                          529 mg

Sodium                               23 mg

Zinc                                     3.7 mg

Copper                               0.4 mg

Selenium                           2.8 mcg

Properties:

Shape:  Elliptical

Size:  2.5 -7.5 cm

Color: Olive to brown

Taste:  Bitter and Pungent