The California Bay Leaf Is One Of The World's Oldest Spices

By Grace Rivas


Bay trees are in the Evergreen family, and were initially found in the Mediterranean and Asia minor. If allowed to grow naturally, the tree can reach heights between 10 to 15 feet. Bay trees grow well in USDA Zones 8 through 10, and therefore those looking for California bay leaf will find that the spice is not difficult to locate. Leaves of this type are most commonly used to season food.

Bay trees thrive in shady areas. They should be watered frequently, but it is unwise to allow the water to pool around their roots. Rather, excess moisture should be drained from the pot. Immature bay trees need protection from storms and strong winds. This is because they are easily damaged. For this reason, it is best for the trees to be kept in pots until they are ready to be planted in the ground.

Bay leaves are dark green in color and their surfaces are covered with an oil-like substance. This is why they emit a strong scent. They feature an elliptical shape, and are about 3-4 inches long. Yellow flowers typically surround the leaves on the aforementioned trees during the spring season. After the flowers fall from the female trees, they produce black, shiny berries. However, the latter are not safe for human consumption. Therefore, during harvesting, it is essential to separate the leaves from the berries.

The aforementioned leaf is one of the oldest spices in the world. After the leaves are picked, they must be dried for several weeks if their full, robust flavor is to be achieved. Whole leaves are frequently used for flavoring various stews and soups, while crushed leaves are best for seasoning vegetables and meats.

The spice features a strong, bitter, and pungent taste. The leaves can be eaten as they are if a person wishes to do so. However, due to the fact that their flavor is very potent, most people would rather use them as seasonings for various dishes, as mentioned above. Some people who use the spice for health purposes may add the leaves to boiling water and consume the spice as tea.

In the majority of instances, it is only necessary to add a small amount of the spice to food, due to the potency of its flavor. For instance, a single leaf is usually more than adequate with which to season stew. If the powdered form of the spice is being used to season meats or vegetables, a quarter of a teaspoon is generally all that is needed.

It is best to store such leaves in an airtight containers in a shady area. If stored in direct sunlight, they can quickly lose their potency. If stored appropriately, however, they will usually retain their flavor for several years.

California bay leaf seasoning can be purchased fresh, ground, or dried. However, it is important to understand that ground leaves will quickly lose their unique flavor if the container is left open. If one is using dried leaves, the latter should be used when they are still green. When they turn brown, they become extremely bitter and unpalatable. This tasty spice can be purchased online or in traditional stores, but it is always wise comparison shop in order to ensure that the best quality product is selected. Anyone who tries this unusual spice will likely enjoy the results.




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