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Herbs&Spice

BAY

BAY (SWEET) (Laurus nobilis)

Sweet bay or Grecian laurel is an evergreen shrub or, eventually, a tree, that grows slowly to as much as 40 feet tall in favorable locations. Its natural growth form is compact and multi-stemmed, with the foliage tapering from a broad, thick base to a cone like point at the top. It is very attractive when clipped into formal shapes: globes, cones, and other topiary forms, standards or
hedges. The dark green oval leaves are shiny and leathery, pointed at either end, and 2-4 inches long. Small, yellow flowers are followed by inch long black or purple berries.

Though not a species of Laurus, California bay or Oregon myrtle (Umbellularia californica) has leaves that are very similar in flavor to sweet bay and can be used in the same foods.

A Mediterranean native, this is the laurel famous in ancient Greek and Roman mythology and ceremony. There is an ancient legend which gives its origin as this: Daphne was being pursued by Apollo and in distress she called to the gods to have mercy and save her. In
response, the gods changed her into the laurel tree. Thereafter, the sweet bay was considered to be divine and was the favorite tree of Apollo. This is also the tree whose boughs crowned victors of war, athletic competition, and poetry contests. The term baccalaureate probably goes back to this practice bacca meaning berry, and laureate meaning laureled; thus "covered with berries of laurel." In contrast to these celebrating associations, the withering of a laurel tree was once considered an omen of disaster. Before Nero's death it was said all the Roman bays died. The tree was never struck by lightning (thus the Emperor Tiberius always wore a laurel wreath during an electrical storm (though another source informs us that he would crawl under the bed and cover himself with bay leaves). Apollo fell in love with Daphne and pursued her in the forest but as he overtook her she called to her father for help. He transformed her into a laurel tree, and thenceforth Apollo wore a wreath of bay leaves so Daphne could share his triumphs.

Laurel is not particular about soil (as long as it is well drained) and requires only occasional watering once established; but it is, however, very sensitive to climate and temperature. In hot summer regions it is best grown in filtered sun or afternoon shade. In cold areas it must be wintered indoors. Because of this it is often grown in tubs or containers which can be moved as the seasons change. Small plants should be bought from a nursery, as seeds take long to germinate and cuttings root slowly.

The fragrant leaves of laurel are almost a must in stews, spaghetti, meatloaf, and stuffing. They can be used either fresh or dried, and can be picked from an established plant at any time (the dried are considered less bitter for cooking). It is important in French cooking, bay is used in the traditional 'bouquet garni' and in making a 'court bouillon'.