Saturday, January 25, 2014

California Bay Leaf Spice Is Popular Among Consumers

By Grace Rivas


Initially harvested in Asia and certain parts of the Mediterranean, Bay trees belong to the Evergreen tree family. When they grow wild, they typically measure between ten and fifteen feet tall. USDA Zones 8 to 10 are the areas in which these trees grow best. For this reason, individuals searching for California bay leaf will discover that the spice is easy to locate. Its most common use is to season various dishes.

Bay trees grow best in areas with plenty of shade. Although they need frequent watering, the water should not be allowed to pool around the roots of the tree. Instead, excess water should be allowed to drain from the pot. Young bay trees require protection from inclement weather, as they are easily damaged. This is why such trees should be maintained in potting containers until they are mature enough to be placed in the ground.

Bay leaves are dark green in color and their surfaces are covered with an oil-like substance. This is why they emit a strong scent. They feature an elliptical shape, and are about 3-4 inches long. Yellow flowers typically surround the leaves on the aforementioned trees during the spring season. After the flowers fall from the female trees, they produce black, shiny berries. However, the latter are not safe for human consumption. Therefore, during harvesting, it is essential to separate the leaves from the berries.

The aforementioned leaf is one of the oldest spices in the world. After the leaves are picked, they must be dried for several weeks if their full, robust flavor is to be achieved. Whole leaves are frequently used for flavoring various stews and soups, while crushed leaves are best for seasoning vegetables and meats.

The spice has a bitter, pungent, and strong taste. If one so desires, he or she can eat the leaves by themselves. However, due to their powerful flavor, most people find that it is more advantageous to use them as seasonings. Certain people who consume the spice for health reasons brew the leaves into a tea.

In the majority of instances, it only takes a small amount of the spice to flavor food. For instance, if a person is seasoning soup, a single leaf is usually adequate. When the spice is crushed and placed in dishes containing meat or vegetables, one fourth of a teaspoon is typically sufficient.

Such leaves should be stored in shady areas in containers that can be tightly sealed. This is because direct sunlight can cause them to lose their potent flavor. If stored properly, however, they will retain their flavor for two years in most cases.

California bay leaf spices can be found in various forms, including dried, ground, and fresh varieties. It is essential, however, to realize that ground leaves will lose their unique flavor very quickly if the container in which they are stored is left open. Dried leaves should always be used while green: they become very bitter and unpalatable after turning brown. This tasty spice can be bought in conventional stores or online. However, comparison shopping is always wise. This will ensure the highest quality brand is chosen. Virtually anyone who tries this unique spice will enjoy its flavor.




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