BAY LEAVES

Fragrant bay leaf wreaths were awarded to the wise and the victorious throughout history. From poets to kings, Olympic champions to champions of battle, a crown of bay symbolized the highest achievement to ancient Greeks and Romans.

With all due respect to its Mediterranean origin, Spice Islands finds the noblest bay leaves hail from California. Under the warm West Coast sun, they develop a more concentrated aroma and potent flavor profile than bay leaves from other parts of the world.

The long, tapered leaves have a dark green color and are hand-picked and carefully dried to ensure they remain unbroken. Bay leaves available through general retail are often shorter, faded and broken.

In the kitchen, bay is worthy of its renown, where it’s an essential ingredient in Mediterranean dishes as well as the French mix of herbs known as bouquet garni. Bay leaves release their flavor slowly, so add early in the cooking process to lend a sharp, warm flavor to soups, stews, sauces and marinades.

As an extra side note, Spice Islands California Bay Leaves are so strong in flavor, we recommend using 1

3 of a leaf when a recipe calls for a whole bay leaf.

TRY IT WITH…
Pasta Sauces
Roasted Meats
Fish Dishes
Slow-Cooked Soups & Stews