Region of Origin

Commodity:

Bay Leaf California

Description & Origin

The California bay leaf comes from a tree species also known as pepperwood in the laurel plant family that is related to, but distinct from, the Mediterranean Turkish bay laurel that accounts for the vast majority of dried bay leaves sold around the world. California bay leaves are easy to recognize thanks to their thin, elongated shape (versus the rounder, ovate shape of the Turkish bay). Their f...

Other Names

California Bay Laurel

Health Benefits & Nutrition

Native American communities throughout California and Oregon have used the California laurel for its cooling, insecticidal, and germicidal properties throughout history. Early documentation notes California bay used in treatments for headache, stomachache, sore throats, and arthritis, as well as insect repellant, although modern research suggests that the oils found in the plant may actually induce headaches. WARNING: The oils in California laurel may have toxic effects in some people.

Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
USA (CA)
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good

Foodservice Tips

Traditional Culinary Uses

Fresh California bay leaves should be used only in culinary applications specifically designed to accommodate their extremely strong menthol and camphor flavor. They do not make a good substitute for common bay leaves. The leaves are intended to be steeped or ground and are typically removed before a dish is served, like dried Turkish bay leaves. Appropriate applications for California bay may include syrups, teas, infusions, or desserts where a Vicks® VapoRub™-like effect is desired. They can also be dried (which slightly mellows their flavor) and ground for use as a black pepper substitute.

Flavor Pairings

Tomato, Fig, Parsley, Sugar, Honey, Ginger

How to Prepare

Wash and dry before use.

How to Store & Use in the Kitchen

Store fresh bay leaf wrapped in a damp paper towel in a bag or sealed container in the coldest part of your refrigerator for optimal shelf life. If dried, bay leaf can be stored in the pantry.

Fight Food Waste Tips for root to stem cooking

Extra bay leaves can be frozen or dried and stored in the pantry for future use.

Warehouse Storage & Handling

Maintain these conditions for optimal short-term storage shelf life.*

IDEAL STORAGE TEMP:

32-40°F

RECOMMENDED TEMP STORAGE ZONE:

32-39°F (Cold Storage)

SUBJECT TO CHILLING INJURY:

No

RELATIVE HUMIDITY:

60-70%

PRODUCES ETHYLENE:

No

SENSITIVE TO ETHYLENE:

Unknown

Quality Assessment

Fresh bay leaf should be pliable, well colored, and aromatic.

Optimum Shelf Life

Depending on variety, conditions at harvest, and handling, fresh bay leaves may last up to one year.