Get to know the disease-fighting leaves, a top-notch herb that does more than just “get rid of the smell”. Foreign countries sell them for thousands per kilogram.
Get to know the disease-fighting leaves, a top-notch herb that not only “eliminates fishy smells” but has been found in research to inhibit cancer cells. Foreign countries sell them for thousands per kilogram.
Many people may be familiar with “bay leaves” in dishes like chicken biryani or massaman curry. Did you know that this fragrant leaf is not only good for removing the fishy smell, but is also packed with various medicinal properties. It is also a แทงบอล UFABET ราคาดีที่สุด ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ popular herb abroad, with the price of selling for thousands of baht per kilogram!
What is bay leaf?
Despite its name , bay leaves do not actually come from the bay tree in the ginger family, as many people believe. They are actually the leaves of a plant called Bay Laurel (scientific name: Laurus nobilis ), a Mediterranean plant with single, lance-shaped leaves and a distinctive, pungent aroma that is popularly used in cooking around the world.
What types of bay leaves are used?
There are at least six species of plants worldwide whose leaves are used as a spice under the name “Bay Leaf”, including:
- Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) – The most popular species from Europe.
- California Bay Leaf – Stronger scent than European type.
- Indian Bay Leaf (Indian Bay Leaf) – Has a cinnamon-like smell.
- Indonesian Bay Leaf (Smak) – Found in southern Thailand, used in Indonesian food.
- West Indian Bay Leaf – Used in food and perfume industries.
- Mexican Bay Leaf – Popular in Latin cuisine.
Properties of bay leaves
Bay leaves contain many vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C, B6, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and beta-carotene. They also contain antioxidants and essential oils that are good for your health.
Outstanding properties include:
- Helps eliminate the smell of meat in food.
- Antioxidant, cancer prevention : Research has found that bay leaves can inhibit the growth of liver cancer cells in experimental animals.
- Blood sugar control : Helps reduce insulin resistance and oxidative stress.
- Relieves irritable bowel syndrome : Helps with digestion and reduces bloating.
- Anti-inflammatory-antibacterial : Good for arthritis and gout patients.
- Boost immunity : with various vitamins found in the leaves
What can bay leaves be used for?
In addition to being used in Thai dishes such as biryani and massaman curry, bay leaves are also a staple spice in Indian, French and Italian cuisines, often used in stocks, soups, sauces and stews. They are also an ingredient in cocktails such as Bloody Mary .
Dried leaves have a stronger aroma than fresh leaves. Leaves are usually collected from trees that are over 2 years old and must be dried in the shade to preserve the aroma and quality.