The bay leaf has been used in many ways since ancient times. In addition to being used as a spice, the plant is also used in the health sector with its antiseptic, digestive and expectorant action highly regarded. Spices have always been used in medicine and even attributed healing powers for high blood pressure or diabetes. To this day, the leaf is used in naturopathy, among other things, as a diluted Oil to relieve muscle and joint pain prescribed.
Basically, the plant enjoys a noble reputation, which it probably owes to its use as a victor’s wreath by Roman generals. Bay leaves are above all popular in the kitchen and end up as intense spice in a variety of dishes. So that strong, tart-spicy aroma can fully unfold should, in addition to a longer cooking time, already when shopping, during storage and above all there are a few things to keep in mind when preparing. On little trick at the latter for a real taste explosion.
Bay leaf: origin and storage
In this country, bay leaves are mainly found in the dried variant in the trade available. If you want to use fresh leaves, you’re more likely to find them in a delicatessen, in potted laurel trees or in the Mediterranean area. The evergreen tree originally grows in mountainous regions and their humid forests in the central region or on the Pacific coast of North America.
In our latitudes, the plant can only be purchased in tubs and must be protected from frost in winter. As with other potted plants, however, with the right methods, this does not pose a major problem.
If you use dried bay leaves when cooking, the aromatic leaves can be used for about a year when stored dry and protected from light with full flavor insert. If you’re using fresh bay leaves, you should use them wrap in a damp cloth and store in the fridge. The disadvantage: fresh leaves are at this storage only a few weeks durable. In general, any spice can expire – correct storage is essential to prevent this from happening.
A little trick provides even more taste
Anyone who has ever seasoned with a bay leaf has surely heard the scent that the leaf unfolds during cooking. Especially the ones included essential oils are responsible for it.
View organic bay leaves on Amazon
To increase this effect, you should touch the sheet several times buckle slightlybefore throwing it in the pot. During the cooking time, the bay leaf imparts its characteristic flavor to the food and ensures a refined taste experience.
But despite all the enthusiasm, there is one economical use of the fine spice advisable, because bay leaves are very flavorful. If used correctly, you will get a clear to taste but unobtrusive aroma, that may also take traditional recipes to a new level.
Amazon bestseller: The Nutrition Compass – The Cookbook by Bas Kast
More on the subject:
