Bay laurel wreath ( Laurus nobilis ) is a belittled , evergreen Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that is aboriginal to the Mediterranean region . It is a member of the Laurel sept ( Lauraceae ) , and its leaves are widely used as a culinary herbaceous plant in Mediterranean cuisine , in particular in Gallic and Italian preparation . Bay laurel has a rich history , with mentions in Greek and romish mythology , as well as being a symbol of triumph in ancient Greece .
What is Bay Laurel?
Bay laurel ( Laurus nobilis ) is a small , evergreen plant Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or shrub that is native to the Mediterranean region . It is a member of the Laurel household ( Lauraceae ) and is widely tame for its redolent and flavoursome leave , which are used as a culinary herb in Mediterranean cuisine .
The leafage of the bay laurel Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree are usually referred to as bay leaves and have a barbed , slenderly bitter taste and a distinct aroma . Laurus nobilis is also used for medicative and decorative function , and its oil is used in aromatherapy . The tree diagram can grow up to 30 feet grandiloquent , but it is often keep smaller through pruning and is ordinarily grow as a small tree diagram , a hedging , or in a container .
Bay laurel Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree can grow up to 30 feet marvellous , but they are often kept small through pruning . They have sheeny , dark-skinned dark-green leave-taking that are fizgig - shaped and can be up to 4 in long . The leaves have a trenchant aroma and tone , which is why they are used in cooking . The tree diagram produces minor , yellow flower in the spring , which are follow by dark over-embellished berries in the fall .
Uses for Bay Laurel
Bay laurel is a various plant that can be grown in a variety of configurations . It can be grown as a small tree diagram in a garden , in a container on a terrace , or as a hedging . It prefers well - enfeeble soil and full sun to partial tad . Laurus nobilis is also bonk for its permissiveness to drought and table salt , making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens .
One of the most notable uses of bay laurel is as a culinary herbaceous plant . The leaves are used sassy or dry , and they add a distinguishable flavor to dishes . bay tree leaves are often used in soup , lather , sauces , and marinades . They are also a plebeian ingredient in traditional herb portmanteau word such as bouquet garni , which is used to season stocks , and herbes de Provence , which is used in French culinary art . Bay parting can also be used to flavour vinegar or oil .
In addition to its culinary uses , Laurus nobilis has been used for medicinal purposes for century . The leaves are have it off for their anti - inflammatory and antioxidant properties and have been used to treat respiratory infection , digestive problems , and arthritis . Bay laurel petroleum is also used in aromatherapy for its relaxing properties .
Growing and Caring for Bay Laurel
Bay laurel is a relatively low - upkeep plant that is comparatively easy to grow . Here are some tips for rise and caring for bay laurel :
In sum-up , bay laurel is a various and leisurely - to - like - for industrial plant that is consummate for both culinary and cosmetic purposes . With the right positioning , lachrymation , pruning , and pest controller , your bay laurel laurel Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree can prosper and provide you with delicious and redolent leaves year - round .
Symbolism
Bay laurel is also considered a symbol of winner and victory . In ancient Greece , wreaths made from Laurus nobilis leaves were give to athletes , soldier , and scholars as a symbol of honor and achievement . The tradition persist in today , with bay leaf wreaths being used as cosmetic ingredient in home and businesses .
Bay laurel is a various plant that has a productive story and a wide range of uses . Its leaves are a popular culinary herb , and the tree itself is a beautiful gain to any garden . Laurus nobilis also has medicative properties and is view a symbol of achiever and triumph . If you ’re looking for a plant that can serve well many purpose , bay laurel is an fantabulous choice .
