Herb of the Month: Bay Laurel (bay leaf)

I think that the bay leaf is the most forgotten herb. I say this because nobody ever speaks of the bay leaf. Other herbs like cilantro, mint, and parsley get all the spotlight. The bay leaf is kind of an afterthought if you think about it, but hopefully I will bring it back to life for you.

In cooking, you may see bay leaf as an ingredient in recipes. People do not think it really adds value or flavor, but this noble herb does have many benefits, great flavor, and an interesting history.

Heath Benefits

As with most herbs, bay leaves have medicinal benefits. Bay leaves and the fruit contain essential oils, and by steeping these in boiling water helps release the oils. This ancient herb can help relieve the common cold and cold symptoms, as well as aid in digestion problems, and relieve aches and pains.

Uses

My primary use for bay leaves is in culinary dishes. I plan to use some of the leaves to make tea later this season (so stay tuned). My ultimate favorite use for bay leaves is in stews. There is nothing like a nice hearty beef stew on a cold day that really hits the spot. You would not think that a couple bay leaves would make the difference in cooking, but this aromatic herb provides a warmth and earthiness to a dish.

Bay leaves are usually not eaten, because it is quite rough and hard, even if cooked for a very long time. Also, biting into bay leaves will seem bitter, but in a stew it is magical. Try a couple bay leaves in your next soup or stew. A little goes a long way.

Did You Know…

In ancient Rome and Greece, Bay Laurel leaves were a symbol of victory, greatness, and protection against evil. Emperors and great men, like poets, writers, and Olympians would wear a crown made of Laurel. In Greek Mythology, Apollo (God of Light) mocked Eros (God of Love), because of his use of the bow and arrow. In retaliation, Eros struck Apollo with an arrow of gold to make him fall in love with Daphne (Naiad Nymph and daughter of a river god), and Daphne was struck with an arrow of lead to make her hate Apollo. Apollo kept trying to pursue Daphne to no avail. Daphne pleaded to the river god, Peneus, to free her from Apollo’s advances. Daphne, sacrificing her body, was morphed and confined into a laurel tree. Apollo used his powers to immortalized her by making Daphne’s laurel leaves evergreen to keep her young and pure.

Apollo and Daphne: https://greekgodsandgoddesses.net – Greek Gods & Goddesses, November 30, 2016