Title one thing everybody makes use of however nobody is aware of why. We’ll go first: bay leaves. Likelihood is you’ve used one — as a result of for some cause recipes solely ever name for one — just lately, and you may relate to the the feedback part of this viral TikTok (and this one, too). It makes an attempt to explain this mysterious spice that may most likely make an look in your favorite fall recipes. The video is humorous, nevertheless it additionally begs the query: What do bay leaves actually do? And are they harmful to eat? TODAY Food requested a meals scientist and some cooks to weigh in. Right here’s what they needed to say.
What are bay leaves?
Historically, bay leaves come from laurel timber native to the Mediterranean area. Actually, they composed the crowns awarded to the athletes in historical Greece. Bay leaves have additionally been utilized in cooking for hundreds of years and had been even used medicinally through the Center Ages. Today, they’re a staple spice utilized in soups, stews, shares and different dishes cooked low and gradual. They’re additionally a well-liked ingredient for pickling.
What’s the distinction between dried and contemporary bay leaves?
Bay leaves might be purchased contemporary or dried; the latter being much more widespread. Contemporary bay leaves are stronger, with one contemporary leaf imparting as a lot taste as two dried leaves.
What taste do bay leaves impart?
According to Britannica, bay leaves comprise roughly 2% important oil. The oil is cineole. “Cineole has minty and cooling notes with some eucalyptus notes,” meals scientist Brian Chau instructed TODAY. Terpenes and terpenoids, that are hydrocarbons chargeable for the way in which crops scent, are additionally present in bay leaves. “They provide some citrus and wooden notes,” mentioned Chau earlier than including that bay leaves may also impart some peppery notes because of their focus of methyl eugenol.
In fact, the flavour imparted will depend on the kind of bay leaf you employ and the cooking time “Contemporary bay leaves are typically extra bitter,” mentioned chef Alexandra Shapiro, who owns two seafood eating places in New York Metropolis, the place she depends on bay leaves for her shares. “And the longer you prepare dinner with a bay leaf, the extra depth you get.”
One of many causes individuals don’t imagine bay leaves do something is as a result of on their very own, they’re not as pungent as different spices. Their style isn’t nice, both. Nevertheless, whenever you add liquid, warmth and time, their taste compounds break down and change into much more palatable. Actually, along with utilizing bay leaves in savory recipes, Shapiro additionally makes use of them in candy recipes. “It’s all about enhancing the pre-existing taste profiles,” she defined.
Why will we use bay leaves complete?
It’s not straightforward to search out floor bay leaves or bay leaf powders in shops, however it’s attainable. The rationale complete leaves are most popular is as a result of they don’t launch as a lot of their intense important oil. For those who use floor bay leaves or powders, it’s straightforward to overdo it and discover the flavors they convey overpowering. Another excuse complete leaves are used is as a result of they’re simpler to take out.
Are bay leaves harmful to eat?
“There’s a widespread delusion that bay leaves are toxic,” mentioned Jason Maynard, government chef at Sogno Italian in Woburn, Massachusetts. “It is because they appear much like mountain laurel and cherry laurel leaves that are toxic to people and animals.” Nevertheless, bay leaves offered for culinary functions should not toxic.
“Sure, you possibly can eat bay leaves,” added Chau, though he notes that there isn’t a lot dietary worth in them. Plus, their brittle texture isn’t precisely interesting, and the leaves’ sharp, jagged edges may lower your mouth or throat. They’re additionally arduous to digest. Like cinnamon sticks — which you’ll be able to eat, however you don’t — bay leaves needs to be eliminated previous to serving.
Are you able to reuse bay leaves?
Very similar to you don’t reuse espresso grounds, don’t try and reuse bay leaves. Additionally, for optimum taste, use dried bay leaves inside a couple of months and contemporary bay leaves inside three weeks of buying (until you freeze them). Saved correctly, spices can final for years. Nevertheless, they do lose taste over time.
