Bay Leaves Whole

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 and 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.

Suggested use: Whole leaves are plucked out of dishes at the end of cooking and should not be eaten.