Bay Leaves

Bay leaves add a tangy earthy flavor, one to two leaves is enough to flavor most dishes. Because bay leaves remain stiff even after a thorough cooking, the leaves are not meant to be eaten so make sure to remove all bay leaves before serving. Wonderful in soups, sauces, baked with potatoes or cooked with fish, shrimp and shellfish. Create a flavorful bed of bay leaves for roasted or steamed meats and fish.

Bay leaves can also be scattered in a pantry, closet or drawer to repel meal moths, flies, roaches, mice and silverfish. Originally from Asia Minor, the Bay Evergreen Tree is commonly found in the Mediterranean region. Bay leaves were used in ancient Greece and Rome to make crowns for heroes, athletes and poets.