Bayleaf is a spice whose leaves grow on a tree that can grow to a height of 15 meters. The tree remains green all year round and develops inconspicuous yellow or greenish flowers in the spring. In addition, they provide purple single-seeded berries. Bay leaves have a glossy surface and are olive green greyish in color. They are 5 to 10 cm long and 5 cm wide.
Bayleaf grows in a mild subtropical climate without frost. This climate can be found in the Mediterranean and that is why bayleaf comes from the east of the Mediterranean. The spice originally grows in countries such as Turkey, Georgia and Greece. The bayleaf from Verstegen comes from Turkey. Bayleaf is picked there by hand and then selected by size and color. Only the whole leaves are selected for Verstegen, so that we can be sure that it is not mixed with leaves from other shrubs.
Bayleaf has a typical scent that is spicy and gives off a sharp, warm scent when heated. The taste of bayleaf is rather woody with hints of eucalyptus and cloves. Because it is a dominant spice, you don’t have to use much of it. The aroma of bayleaf should be transferred slowly to food, for example through a marinade or in a stew. Bayleaf is mainly known for stews and soups. You add a bayleaf at the start of the preparation of a dish, so that it can soak for a long time.
