what is a bay leaf anyone know?

Answer 1

The bay leaf is a spice, as others have pointed out, also called the bay laurel or laurel leaf. There are two main types: the Turkish, app 1-2 inches long and oval, and Californian (or Mexican), some 2-3 inches long. The Turkish variety imparts a more subtle flavor than the California and unfortunately, is hard to find. Historically it was thought to have magic properties and it was often awarded in a wreath as an honor. Early doctors wore the wreaths because they often precribed it for many things, evidently.
The dried is a very poor imitation of the fresh bay, which is used in stews, soups and for meat flavoring. Too much bay makes things bitter. Personally, I think a tomato sauce without fresh bay is unthinkable and incomplete. A bay laurel tree is a wonderful addition to any garden.
The bay helps the body regulate insulin better and my father in law used this to control his blood sugar effectively. It is also supposed to have beneficial properties for stomach ulcers and migraine headaches.
By the way, remove the bay leaf before serving the food; it won't hurt you but it is tough and by itself tastes bad. Fortunately they are easy to locate after cooking.

Answer 2

A bay leaf comes from a bay tree. Thjey are grown in warmer places like California or anyone with a nice greenhouse can have one in colder climates. Then the leaves are plucked and dried and used in cooking. I add one to the pot when I cook a roast.

Answer 3

Bay leaf (plural bay leaves) is the aromatic leaf of several species of the Laurel family (Lauraceae). Fresh or dried bay leaves are used in cooking for their distinctive flavor and fragrance.

Answer 4

1Bay leaf (plural bay leaves) is the aromatic leaf of several species of the Laurel family (Lauraceae). Fresh or dried bay leaves are used in cooking for their distinctive flavor and fragrance.

Mediterranean bay leaf
The leaf of the bay laurel or "true laurel", Laurus nobilis, is a culinary herb often used to flavor soups, stews, and braises and pâtés in Mediterranean Cuisine. Many people have reportedly smoked dried bay leaves to achieve euphoric effects similar to those of cannabis.
California bay leaf
The leaf of the California bay tree (Umbellularia californica), also known as 'California laurel', 'Oregon myrtle', and 'pepperwood', is similar to the Mediterranean bay but has a stronger flavor.
"Indian bay leaf" (also called tej pat, tejpat, or tejpata)
The leaf of the Cinnamomum tejpata (malabathrum) tree is similar in fragrance and taste to cinnamon bark, but milder. In appearance, it is similar to the other bay leaves but is culinarily quite different, having an aroma and flavor more similar to that of Cassia. It is inaccurately called a bay leaf as it is of a different genus (though the same family) as the bay laurel.
Bay leaves have been said to be poisonous, but this has never been proven.

Answer 5

A bay leaf is just that ; the dried leaf from a Bay tree..

Answer 6

like everyone said it's a spice, not a shrub/plant BUT that being said, i'd like to add that it is MUCH better when u use it whole in a recipe, and take it out before serving (like a sauce) than buying ground bay leaf, which is more bitter and u actually chew it rather than getting the flavor without the leaf.

Answer 7

a bay leaf is used for seasoning and is found in the spice section fo your grocery stare and is a leaf from the bay bush

Answer 8

The dried aromatic leaf of the laurel or bay (Laurus nobilis) used as a seasoning in cooking.

Answer 9

a bay leaf comes from a bay tree and is used in cooking and preserving.

Answer 10

Bay leaves come from the Bay tree. The full dried leaves are often added to stews and other meals while cooking because of the aromatic flavor it adds to dishes.

Read more here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_leaf