Laurel – Mediterranean Herb

The aromatic leaves of the real laurel grow on evergreen trees or shrubs and are used as a spice.

Origin

Bay laurel originally comes from the Mediterranean region. Today the main growing areas are in Turkey and Italy.

Taste

Bay leaves have a tart, spicy aroma. Dried leaves are less bitter than fresh ones, but have a much more intense taste and should therefore only be used sparingly.

Use

Laurel develops its aroma slowly and should therefore always be cooked. Then the leaves are removed and not eaten. The herb is ideal for adding a spicy touch to stews such as goulash, roulades, game dishes, Bolognese, but also hearty vegetables such as red cabbage or sauerkraut and stews. Fresh leaves give potato wedges from the tin a Mediterranean aroma and are well suited for seasoning oil: Simply place a twig in a bowl with olive oil and use it to marinate grilled steaks, for example. Refined: Prepare sweet vanilla sauce with a bay leaf – great with fruit salad or apple strudel.

Storage

Fresh bay leaves will keep in a cling bag in the fridge for about 5 days. You can store dried bay leaves for up to a year if you wrap them airtight and store them in a dark, cool place.

Whats the definition of laurel?

1 : a small evergreen European tree with shiny pointed leaves used in ancient times to crown victors (as in sports) 2 : a tree or shrub (as the American mountain laurel ) that resembles the European laurel. 3 : a crown of laurel used as a mark of honor.

Why are laurels poisonous?

Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), a common garden hedge, is one such potentially toxic cyanogenic plant. Cyanide, the lethal agent of cyanogenic plants, prevents haemoglobin in erythrocytes from releasing oxygen to the tissues, with animals ultimately dying of anoxia.

What is laurel used for?

A laurel is a shrub that was traditionally used to weave wreaths and crowns that were symbols of victory in the sporting events of Ancient Greece. Today, laurel is synonymous with achievement, and a laureate is one who an award or achievement is bestowed upon.

Which laurel is poisonous?

With the exception of Bay Laurel, the short answer is yes. All other Laurel hedging varieties (including berries) are poisonous to both humans and animals. Laurel hedge plants produce hydrocyanic acid which can cause serious complications if ingested.

Is laurel toxic to dogs?

If your pet has eaten any part of a laurel shrub, contact your veterinarian immediately. The flowering shrub laurel contains a powerful neurotoxin called grayanotoxin which can disturb the proper function of the body’s cell membranes. Laurel poisoning should be treated as an emergency. Protect yourself and your pet.

Does laurel have invasive roots?

This isn’t even a tree; it’s a big shrub. The most troublesome trees are those with deep, penetrating root systems, but laurel’s is particularly shallow. Most arboriculturists would argue that a safe tree-to-house distance is about half the eventual size of the tree, although insurers are usually more cautious.