Today we’re sharing information about bay leaves, which are readily available in supermarkets.

What are Bay Leaves?

Bay leaves are the leaves of the bay tree. Like basil, they contain eugenol, but in addition to eugenol, they contain dozens of other aromatic oils. Originating in the Mediterranean region of Europe, they are frequently used in Mediterranean cuisine.

The most commonly used bay leaf variety in cooking is the Mediterranean bay laurel (sweet bay), but some countries also have their own unique bay leaves. Two of the most common varieties are California bay leaf and Indian bay leaf.

California bay leaf has a stronger and more astringent flavor than Mediterranean bay leaf, while Indian bay leaf, although very similar in appearance to Mediterranean bay leaf, has a completely different taste, with a flavor similar to cinnamon.

The Origins of Laurel in Greek Culture

Laurel has a deep connection with Greek culture. Most people are familiar with the term “laurel wreath,” right? The ancient Greeks considered the laurel wreath a symbol of honor, placing it on the head of the victor as a sign of praise. This wreath was woven from laurel branches and leaves.

Greek mythology also features a laurel goddess. The story goes like this:

Cupid, mocked by the sun god Apollo for his poor archery skills, deliberately shot him with an arrow of love, causing him to fall madly in love with Daphne, the daughter of a river god.

However, Cupid then deliberately shot Daphne with an arrow of heartbreak, making her unwilling to accept Apollo’s advances. Finally, Daphne pleaded with her father, the river god, for help. In a moment of desperation, the river god transformed Daphne into a laurel tree. A heartbroken Apollo then crafted a laurel wreath from laurel branches and leaves to place on his head, ensuring Daphne would remain by his side forever.

How to Cultivate a Bay Laurel Tree

Bay laurel trees can grow up to 18 meters tall, but don’t worry, you can limit their growth by planting small saplings in pots, preventing them from exceeding 1.8 meters in height.

It’s not recommended to buy seeds directly, as their growth is very slow and germination takes a long time.

Bay laurel trees need plenty of sunlight. If kept indoors, make sure they are in a sunny spot. To harvest bay leaves, simply cut them with scissors. Larger leaves are more mature and have a better flavor.

How to Use Bay Leaves in Cooking

When using bay leaves in cooking, it’s important to know that dried bay leaves are usually used because fresh bay leaves have a bitter taste, and dried bay leaves have a richer aroma.

Therefore, if you grow your own, it’s best to let the leaves dry completely before using them. If you don’t want them to dry completely, experts recommend letting them sit for at least 48 hours after picking before cooking.

Dried bay leaves need to be cooked for a while to release all their aroma, making them ideal for stews, soups, and sauces. They have a rich flavor and can help remove fishy odors. Bay leaves pair well with tomatoes, various meats, fish, and beans. After cooking, the bay leaves are usually removed directly from the pot to avoid accidentally eating them.

Daniel

Braised Beef Brisket with Bay Leaves and Onions

Onions are a common and widely used vegetable, playing a significant role in cooking as well as a main ingredient. Eating more onions is beneficial to health, as they are highly nutritious.

This braised beef brisket with onions doesn't require alcohol to remove any gamey smell. Using bay leaves and star anise ensures the beef is completely free of any gaminess and has a pleasant, aromatic flavor.

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Total Time 3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Servings: 3 people

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients Notes

Ingredients

  

• 200 g white shallots
• 100 g cherry tomatoes
• 300 g beef brisket

Seasonings

• 100 cc oyster sauce
• 50 g rock sugar
• 10 g black peppercorns
• 5 g whole bay leaves (cinnamon leaves)

Notes

【Instructions】

1. Wash the beef brisket, cut into chunks, and blanch in hot water until cooked through.

2. Wash the shallots and cherry tomatoes, add them to the beef brisket, mix in the seasonings, and steam in a stew pot over medium-high heat for about 3 hours. Serve immediately.

3. The bay leaves removed from the stew can be placed on top of the stew pot as a garnish.

 

【TIPS】
1. This stew pot recipe can be doubled to make a dish suitable for about 4 people.

2. If you like the taste of tomatoes, you can increase the amount of tomatoes.