Bay Leaves Powder

Bay Leaf or Laurel Leaf are dried leaves or an evergreen shrub or more rarely a tree attaining a height of 15 to 20 mtrs. The upper surface of the leaf is glabrous and shiny, olive green, and lower surface is dull olive to brown with a prominent rib and veins. The aroma of the crushed leaves is delicate & fragrant, and taste is aromatic and bitter. The size of the leaves is ranging from 2.5 to 7.5 cms in length and 1.6 to 2.5 cms in breadth. The shape is elliptical and tapering to a point at the base and tip of the leaves. It is a native of Mediterranean and grow widely in scrub land woods in Europe and California. It widely cultivated in Europe, America, and Arabian countries. It is not cultivated as a commercial crop in India. Bay leaves are used as flavoring in soups, stews, meat, fish, sauces and in confectionaries. Both leaves and fruits possess aromatic, stimulant, and narcotic properties. The essential oil from the leaves is also used as spice and food flavoring agent and has wider application in traditional medicines of different countries. The major functional properties are anti-microbial, anti-fungal, hypoglycemic, anti-ulcerogenic etc.