Many plants with aromatic leaves are called “laurel” or “bay”, but none of them taste like true laurel.

The leaves of laurel can be dried or used freshly as a spice for stews, they also flavor liqueur and vinegar. Laurel leaves are added to herbal blends and preserves. The laurel oil is extracted from leaves and fruits, which is used for medicinal purposes and in perfumery.

True laurel grows as a small tree. However, a “laurel forest” as it is found in Macaronesia (Canaries, Madeira, Azores, etc.) is based on other species of the genus Laurus. True laurel is of great importance in Greek mythology. The laurel wreath is a symbol of victory and honour and a frequently seen decorative element.

• Edible Leaves
• Culinary Group Kitchen herbs Spices
• Taste aromatic
• Trivial Names Edler Lorbeer, Echter Lorbeer, Gewürzlorbeer, Bay laurel, Sweet bay, True laurel, Grecian laurel, Laurier d'Apollon, Laurier noble, Laurier vrai, Laurier-sauce
• Size 5 cm (single leaf)
• Taxonomy Lauraceae (laurel family) Laurus nobilis
• Origin Near East (Map)
• Locality Hausgarten 2016