The type of leaf mentioned here is bay leaf with the scientific name Laurus nobilis, belonging to the Lauraceae family. The English name is bay tree, bay laurel, originating in the Mediterranean coastal area. This type of leaf is quite popular in herbal gardens.
Fresh bay leaves have a bitter and pungent taste
Bay leaves are leaves of the laurel tree, native to the Mediterranean
Bay leaves are about 6–12cm long and about 2–4cm wide. The shape of the leaves is very characteristic because the leaf edges are wrinkled and have regular serrated edges. The leaves are green, oval, thick and smooth. When the leaves of the laurel tree fall, people will collect them and dry them for use.
When the leaves of the laurel tree fall, people will collect them and dry them for use.
This type of leaf is of little interest to Vietnamese people but is popular in European countries and America. The selling price of bay leaves in the US can be up to 1,5-2 million VND/kg. In October 10, bay leaf exports brought Vietnam 2023 USD, an increase of more than 33.000% over the same period last year.
The leaves have many uses for health and life
Besides Vietnam, countries in Asia also often grow laurel trees widely. Laurel often lives in forests, near streams, and places with high humidity.
Laurel is a perennial green shrub with many branches. The leaves are thick, smooth and dark green, bright, alternate, have short stems, lanceolate, smooth and wavy edges.
The leaves are a "divine" spice.
The reason this leaf is so expensive is that it always emits a very pleasant scent, calms the nerves, and helps relax the mind.
Abroad, it is commonly used in cooking to marinate food, stir-fry, season, remove the fishy smell of meat and fish or prepare it in many dishes such as making soup...
Bay leaves can generally be harvested any time of year from a fully mature tree. After picking the leaves, leave them for 48 - 72 hours to dry.
The scientific name of the laurel tree is Laurus nobilis L., belonging to the plant family: Camphor
When cooking, adding bay leaves will help stimulate the taste buds and increase the delicious flavor of the dishes. Just one or two bay leaves is enough to flavor the dish.
Not only used to add flavor to dishes, bay leaves are also a precious medicinal herb, very good for health with unexpected uses.
Anti-inflammatory and reduces inflammation
Notably, bay leaves contain two anti-inflammatory ingredients: mycrene and eugenol, which when exposed to fire will easily evaporate. Therefore, burning bay leaves to inhale is effective in reducing symptoms of inflammation related to the respiratory system.
Laurel essential oil helps clean the lungs, reduces lung congestion, clears airways, and facilitates breathing.
Therefore, people with asthma, allergies or respiratory diseases can burn and smell bay leaves to improve their condition.
Reduce blood sugar, prevent cardiovascular disease
In addition, scientists have proven that bay leaves are very effective in reducing blood sugar and cholesterol, helping to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Bay leaves are also good for people with diabetes, especially good for people with irritable bowel syndrome...
Another use of bay leaves is to help improve your skin. Vitamin A and vitamin C in bay leaves help strengthen the immune system and effectively prevent oxidation.
Bay leaves are also an important ingredient in teas, oils, cheeses and wines, and its essential oils are used in the cosmetic industry for soaps, perfumes, prepared foods, beverages and dental products.
You may not know, this type of leaf is also used to weave laurel wreaths, symbolizing victory, power and fortune.
Bay leaves have many health benefits.
Not only does it have many valuable uses for health and life, this leaf also brings in large amounts of foreign currency.
Vietnamese bay leaves are consumed heavily in many regions of South Asia (such as India, Bangladesh), East Asia (Japan, Taiwan, Korea), the US and countries of the European Union.
In the domestic market, dried bay leaves are being sold by agricultural companies and supermarkets at prices ranging from 500.000-70.0000 VND/kg. In particular, in supermarkets in the US, the price of bay leaves ranges from 1,5-2 million VND/kg.
Who should not use bay leaves?
Although bay leaves are rich in vitamins, it is not good for everyone to use. Here are some groups below that should be cautious:
– People about to have surgery: You should avoid using bay leaves 2 weeks before surgery because it can affect the function of the central nervous system, especially when combined with anesthetics.
– People with allergies: If you have ever had a reaction to bay leaves in food, avoid burning bay leaves or using essential oils from these leaves.
