West Indian Bay Leaf

West Indian bay leaf, also known as the bay rum leaf, is the spice derived from the leaves of Pimenta racemosa, a tropical evergreen tree in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). It is closely related to allspice (Pimenta dioica), which is why the two are sometimes confused. However, West Indian bay leaf is not a general-purpose culinary herb and is only safe in very small, traditional uses such as infusions or flavor extracts. It is NOT meant to be substituted for allspice leaves or true bay leaves in regular cooking.