Know Your Spices


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Bay Leaf  
Also called laurel leaf or bay laurel, this aromatic herb  
comes from the evergreen bay laurel tree, native to the  
Mediterranean. Early Greeks and Romans attributed  
magical properties to the laurel leaf and it has long been a  
symbol of honor, celebration and triumph, as in "winning  
your laurels." The two main varieties of bay leaf are  
Turkish (which has 1− to 2−inch−long oval leaves) and  
Californian (with narrow, 2− to 3−inch−long leaves). The  
Turkish bay leaves have a more subtle flavor than do the  
California variety. Bay leaves are used to flavor soups,  
stews, vegetables and meats. They're generally removed  
before serving. Overuse of this herb can make a dish  
bitter. Fresh bay leaves are seldom available in markets.  
Dried bay leaves, which have a fraction of the flavor of  
fresh, can be found in supermarkets. Store dried bay  
leaves airtight in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.  
Bay Leaf  
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