ABOUT
Bay leaf, also called laurel leaf, leaf of the sweet bay tree (Laurus nobilis), an evergreen of the family Lauraceae, indigenous to countries bordering the Mediterranean. A popular spice used in pickling and marinating and to flavour stews, stuffings, and fish, bay leaves are delicately fragrant but have a bitter taste.The smooth and lustrous dried bay leaves are usually used whole and then removed from the dish after cooking; they are sometimes marketed in powdered form. There are many species in the bay leaf family, but all share a similar taste and nutrition profile. Varieties of the bayleaf can be grown everywhere from the Caribbean to India, and it is found the spice aisles of grocery stores around the world.
NUTRITIONAL FACTS (100 G OF EDIBLE PORTION)
| Energy (kcal) | Carbohydrate (g) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 313 | 75 | 7.6 | 8.4 |
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Antibacterial as bay leaves inhibit the growth of both Staphylococcus aureus (the bacteria behind Staph infections) and E. Coli.
- Early laboratory cell research shows that bay leaves slow the growth of breast cancer cells and colorectal cancer cells.
- Bay leaf is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. These vitamins are all known to support a healthy immune system.
- Bay leaf tea can help ease bouts of upset stomach. The tea is also very aromatic, which can help relieve sinus pressure or stuffy nose.
- As bay leaf has eugenol and myrcene which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, it’s smell can help you relax.
Here are some ways to use bay leaf in recipes:
- Add to a soup as it cooks for a savory, spicy flavor
- Make some very aromatic bay leaf tea to help settle your stomach
- Try a garam masala recipe using Indian bay leaf
- Include in a bay leaf in marinade for beef or chicken
Nutritional Info
This information is per serving.
-
Calories
5.5 Kcal
-
Carbohydrates
1.3 gm
-
Protein
1 gm
-
Fat
1 gm
Things to Watch Out For
Bay leaf can add something extra to most savory dishes, and it makes an aromatic tea. However, it should not be eaten raw or in large quantities on its own since it can be hard to chew and digest.
In addition, there have not been adequate studies on the effects of using bay leaf as a medicine during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
How to Use Bay Leaf
Bay leaf can be found in most grocery stores. Usually it comes in a dried whole leaf form. However, dried powders and fresh leaves may also stock the shelves, so feel free to experiment with all three kinds in your recipes. Both dried, powdered bay leaf and fresh bay leaf tend to have a stronger flavor than whole, dried bay leaf, so make sure to use a bit less if subbing in for a recipe.
REFERENCE
7 Reasons Why You Should Add Bay Leaves In Your Diet (onlymyhealth.com)
Nutritive value of Indian food by C. Gopalan
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