Bay Leaves

Bay Leaves, also called Laurel Leaf, have been cultivated from ancient times. Its leaves constituted the wreaths of laurel that crowned victorious athletes in ancient Greece. They contain approximately 2 percent essential oil, the principal component of which is cineole. Commonly used to flavor soups, stews, casseroles, pates and generally dishes that require long cooking periods, the smooth and lustrous leaves are usually used whole and then removed from the dish after cooking.