Ancient Greeks and Romans used bay leaves as a symbol of victory or high status and garlands of bay leaves were used to ward off evil spirits. The dried leaves do not part with their fragrant, warm flavors easily but can be encouraged with the addition of oil when cooking. Slow cooking or gently heating one bay leaf in three teaspoons of oil will extract the sweet, woody and herbal flavors from the leaves.
27g
Open Tuesday to Sunday in the historic village of Alfriston, East Sussex