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Bay Leaf Tree Advice and information – Laurus nobilis
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The Latin name of the Bay Tree means esteem (prise) and noble; laurel crowns were made from bay and given to victors. In ancient Greek it was said that keeping a bay leaf in the mouth would prevent misfortune and by Roman times is had a reputation for preventing lighting strikes - Emperors would wear laurel wreaths on their heads to protect them. The Bay Leaf plant was also said to have supernatural powers. |
General Advice about Bay trees
Bay is an evergreen shrub, or small tree, 10-50 ft in height; it has glossy dark aromatic leaves with small clusters of cream flowers from tight buds that open in spring, followed by purple-black berries. Propagate by cuttings in summer, plant in fertile well-drained moist soil in a sunny position. In summer the foliage will respond to an occasional spraying in dry weather.
Whilst often grown as ornamental shrubs in containers, Bay
Trees can get to quite large proportions if planted out in the garden, with
quite a wide spread. However, if too unruly, they can be cut back quite hard
in the spring or early summer.
It can be plagued with scale insect; small brown crustaceans normally found
along the leaf veins. This pest usually leaves a sooty mould deposit on the
bay leaves.
Medicinal
Bay is not widely used in modern herbal medicine, but has been used for various aliments; to relieve muscle pain and stomach disorders, and also used as an insect repellent, and to sooth skin rashes and earache. Place a few bay leaves in a warm bath to ease aching limbs. Seek advice.
Culinary
Add Bay to casseroles, soups and stews. Always include a Bay leaf in a bouquet garni, as bay is a first rate herb. Bay is popular in sweet sauces and use as a garnish for citrus sorbets. A fresh leaf placed in a glass of milk an hour before drinking or in a milk pudding before cooking will improve the flavour. When poaching salmon, placing a bay leaf in the water will give a distinctive flavour. For advice on recipes see this.