Bay Leaf
True bay leaf is the spice derived from the leaves of the bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), an evergreen tree in the laurel family (Lauraceae). The leaves of several other trees (some more related than others) are also called “bay leaf” because they’re used similarly, but none of them are considered true bay leaf:
- California bay leaf: Umbellularia californica
- Indian bay leaf: Cinnamomum tamala
- Indonesian bay leaf: Syzygium polyanthum
- Mexican bay leaf: Litsea glaucescens
- West Indian bay leaf: Pimenta racemosa
Learn more about bay leaf.
Synonyms:
bay leaves, Turkish bay leaf