What is the deal with bay leaves?

What is the deal with bay leaves?

When the herb is infused into water, broth, or another cooking liquid, an almost minty flavor (somewhere between spearmint and menthol) develops, with subtle hints of black pepper and Christmas tree pine. They add a subtle bitterness that keeps heavy soups and stews from being so, well, heavy.

What does bay leaf mean?

: the dried leaf of the European laurel (Laurus nobilis) used in cooking.

Can I drink bay leaf tea at night?

According to Lifehacker, bay leaves help in relaxing your body. They're effective in dealing with insomnia as they calm down your brain's functioning. Just mix a few drops of bay leaf essence with water and drink this before bedtime for a good night's sleep.

Are bay leaves dried basil?

The minty and mild woodsy flavor of dried basil makes it an acceptable substitute for bay leaf. ... Similarly, bay leaves can be a good replacement for dried basil in soups, stews, and other braised applications but cannot be used in place of fresh basil for pestos and salads.

Can I substitute bay leaves for basil?

Basil. As a member of the mint family, basil can work as a bay leaf substitute. ... When dried, basil loses the strong anise notes, so it tastes closer to a bay leaf. Dried basil is a good substitute for bay leaves in Thai, Italian, and other tomato-based dishes, like pasta sauces and stews.

Are bay leaves healthy?

Bay leaves are a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Also regular inclusion of bay leaves in meals promotes general health. 2. They have been proven to be useful in the treatment of migraines.