Bay Leaves

arkonite_babe

Where can I buy a bay tree? I can only find dried leaves so far in Northern Ireland.

samnmalc

Most garden centres will have them

culpepper

MIL's reached about 25 ft and that was after they burnt it to the ground.We have an offshoot of it that Im thinking of digging up and maybe potting as it is about 5ft high but not very wide yet.

louB_5

I have a huge bay tree in my garden, I remember my nan always using them in her casseroles etc, does anyone know how I prepare them? Is it as simple as drying them out first?

Also, how good are they? Do they do make much of a difference to the flavour?

Thanks in advance!

thriftlady_2

I just use mine straight from the bush.Sometimes I pin a branch of leaves up near the cooker where they slowly dry.Mostly though I just go in the garden and pick one and sling it in the pot.Very good in a bechamel sauce or with fish and beef stews.HTH

ladywood

Me too. I rinse them if they look grubby but otherwise straight from bush into pot. Really simple. They give a nice flavour to stews and Italian dishes.

brindles01

I pick off the brown ones, they're virtually dried out anyway and then pop them in a little plastic money cash bag and keep them in my cupboard ready for use and, yes, they do add flavour and fragrance but not too powerful.

Yoga_Girl

I've had my bay tree for a few years now and its still going strong. We quite often just pop into the garden and pick a bay leaf, quick rinse under the tap then pop it straight into whatever dish we're cooking. Lovely!

We add them to tomato based sauces, bolognaises, also if you're roasting veg you can add them to the roasting tray with some olive oil.

louB_5

Thanks everyone, Im a bit ashamed to say that its been there two years and Ive only just realised what it is!

I'm so chuffed its that easy!

Thanks again!

pseudopensioner

You can also use the bay leaves in white saucessweet or savoury and in milk puddings.