Benefits Of Bay Leaf

Bay leaf refers to the aromatic leaf of the bay laurel plant, which belongs to the Lauraceae family.The leaves of this plant are quite often used to add flavor to a range of dishes, due to their distinct fragrance. Bay leaves are most commonly used in Mediterranean cuisines, such as Mediterranean soups, stews, braises and pates. The fresh bay leaf is very mild and does not develop its full flavor and aroma until several weeks after picking up and leaving to dry. Bay leaves are generally crushed or ground before cooking. The crushed leaves impart more flavor and aroma to a dish, than the whole ones. When eaten whole, bay leaves are pungent and have a very sharp and bitter taste. As with a variety of spices and flavorings, the aroma of bay leaves is more desirable and noticeable than its taste. The fragrance is herbal, a tad-bit floral, and partially similar to that of oregano and thyme, when the leaves are dried. The article dwells at length on the benefits of bay leaves. Read on to know about their nutritional properties.