What is Bay laurel?
Bay laurel is an evergreen Mediterranean tree or shrub with aromatic leaves used in cooking.
Structure and life cycle
Form and habitat: Leathery, usually smooth-edged leaves remain year-round. Small flowers may be followed by dark fruits. Pruning maintains a shrub form; it favors mild conditions and drainage. Several unrelated plants share the name laurel, so scientific identification matters.
Growth, uses and cautions
Use and caution: Dried leaves flavor dishes and are usually removed before serving. Some ornamental plants called laurel are toxic, so unidentified leaves should not be eaten. Culinary use of bay leaves does not establish safety or efficacy of medicinal extracts.
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