Herb of the Week: Bay, Sweet Bay, Laurel

By Liz Leonard

(Laurus nobilis)

Bay is a tender evergreen tree with fragrant, leathery, pointed, oval, glossy leaves. (Note: Of all the laurels, only sweet bay is not poisonous.) It grows in full sun in rich, moist, well-drained soil. It must come indoors for the winter in cold climates. Propagate bay from cuttings. Bay grows well in a container, 3 to 6 feet (to 60 feet in its native habitat). Bay seldom flowers in this climate. 

In ancient times the bay tree was sacred to the Greek sun god Apollo. Not only did his temple at Delphi have a roof made of bay leaves (as protection against disease, witchcraft, and lightning), but also his priestess held a bay leaf between her lips before making her oracle (bay is slightly narcotic in large doses). A bay wreath became the mark of excellence for poets and athletes. Romans considered the bay a symbol of wisdom and glory. Baccalaureate: Bacca + laureus = berry from laurel or one earns her
laurels (honor and praise).

Culinary uses all include the leaf when it is dried. The leave is used in bouquet garni (with parsley and thyme); it is added to marinades, meat stock, soups, game, fish, stews, and casseroles. Add the bay leaf to the ingredients from the beginning of cooking and remove before serving.

Medicinal uses include an infusion for a digestive aid and to stimulate appetite. Oil of bay is
used for sprains. 

Home uses include decorative (arrange the cut branches on a moss base for a wreath) and as pest control. Bay leaves placed in flour, rice and dried beans will prevent weevils. 

The symbolism of bay in the language of flowers is glory.

In the Kitchens!

The Herb Associates Kitchen Crew has been busy this week preparing the following wide variety of culinary products. Tomato Basil dressing and Spicy Herb dressing take advantage of the summer harvest of herbs, and customer favorite Herb Mustard has also reached the BBG Gift Shop shelves. Try Garlic Dill Olives in salads or as appetizers. Opal Basil Mint simple syrup can be used in drinks or dressings. Rosemary Grape Jelly smelled so fragrant in preparation and may be used as a topping for cream cheese on crackers or baguettes, or to enhance a pork or ham sandwich, perhaps. In the dried product category, Salt-free Herb Seasoning was prepared, a delicious blend of dried herbs, ever useful in scrambled eggs, in sandwiches, or anything you fancy. Be sure to drop by the BBG Gift Shop on your next visit and purchase one or more of these products — proceeds support the Garden.

The Berkshire Botanical Garden’s Herb Associates began in 1957 and have been making and selling products for the benefit of BBG ever since. At BBG, the Herb Associates oversee a display garden and production garden, both located near the Center House. Members/volunteers meet every Tuesday morning during the late spring through mid-autumn each year, coinciding when the gardens themselves are open to the public. Members plant, weed and tend the gardens, as well as harvest and process the variety of herbs.