California Bay Laurel

Forbes Wild Foods Verified independent store

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California bay laurel is also known as the Balm of Heaven, pepperwood and Oregon myrtle. They are the fragrant leaves of the evergreen tree (Umbellularia californica), which grows wild along the west coast of North America. California Bay Laurel has loads of sweet warm spicy camphoraceous flavour and are far stronger than their Mediterranean cousin, Laurus nobilis. A mature leaf is so flavourful it will overpower a dish if used in the same quantity as a cultivated bay leaf. This is why we stock only small, new leaves. Use them in slow-cooked stews and soups, where they will impart a fragrant, slightly bitter and refreshing base note. Show more