Bay Leaf

Bay Leaf

Bay Leaf
Indian bay leaves belong to a tree closely related to cinnamon whose leaves form a good substitute. Bay leaves are tough three- veined leaves that are very popular in Northern India, but are little known in other parts of the country.In the Imperial Northern Indian (Mughal) cuisine, bay leaves appeared frequently in biryanis (rice dishes) or kormas and hence soon formed an essential part of the mostly used blend of spices (garam masala).
Description
Bay Leaves come from the sweet bay or laurel tree, known botanically as Laurus nobilis. The bay leaf is oval, pointed and smooth, 2.5 - 8 cm (1 to 3 in) long. When fresh, the leaves are shiny and dark green on top with lighter undersides. When dried the bay leaf is a matte olive green.