Short facts : Remove before serving as they can be quite chewy to eat

Dried bay leaf is an aromatic herb commonly used in cooking to add flavour to dishes. It is the dried leaf of the bay laurel tree and has a strong, herbal aroma with subtle hints of eucalyptus and clove. Bay leaves are typically added to soups, stews, sauces and braised dishes to add depth and complexity and to enhance the overall flavour profile. They should be removed before serving as they can be quite tough and chewy. Bay leaves are often used in Mediterranean, Indian and Caribbean cuisines.