Friday 27 June 2014

Many Aspects Of Dried Bay Leaves

By Sherry Gross


Understanding how to combine certain herbs and spices for the best results and optimum flavor release is a huge part of knowing how to prepare a truly savory meal. Different mixtures are used to obtain the varied signature tastes of each style. More and more recipes are calling for the use of dried bay leaves to enhance the tastiness of the dish and all of its ingredients.

This product grows on the branches of the laurel trees indigenous to Turkey and the Mediterranean areas surrounding it, and though technically an herb, it functions best as a spice. Some groves in California also farm this item, though that strain has a slightly different taste. Once a primary material for creating head wreaths for the champions of the early Olympic games, they are now used as a decorative and crafting medium and are a must have for any well versed kitchen.

Like many spices, this ingredient works much better when used in conjunction with certain others. On its own, the flavoring is rich and savory, but very subtle and gentle, not providing much of an impact. However, when it is combined with others such cloves or oregano, it tends to heighten the tastes and aromas of each part of the recipe.

One batch of this product can last a very long time. Fresh items are usually a bit difficult to find, but if this is the preference, any that is not used right away may be stored in the freezer until a later date. The dried ones are much easier to obtain, work just as effectively as their hydrated counterparts and have the added bonus of being cable of being kept on a shelf for years without losing their potency, though refreshing the supply every twenty-four months is highly recommended.

The old product does not have to be tossed away when fresh stock is brought in. They can be used to create lovely decorative pieces, added to a fragrant potpourri mix and other crafty purposes. They make a perfect filler for a sachet or drawer liner when crushed and can keep garments from smelling stale.

One of the more common ways to utilize this herb is to add it to recipes that are meant to cook slowly over an extended period of time. Allowing the product to heat up in this manner releases the enhancing properties intermittently so that they are more completely mixed with the other ingredients. Adding this and certain spice combinations to beans, lentils, sauces, stocks, marinades, stews and soups can make for a tasty meal.

Steaming is also a highly effective way to cook with this herb. The moist heat permeates the product and infuses its flavors with that of everything else in the pot. It truly brings out the best qualities in such foods as fish, seafood, chicken and vegetables for a pleasurable culinary experience.

For best results, each leaf should remain whole or only halved when used for preparing culinary dishes. All pieces need to be removed from the mixture before it is served. Although the herb is quite beneficial during the cooking process and lends much to the overall flavoring, when eaten alone, the taste is not at all appetizing or easily digested.




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