This plant has a wide use in gastronomy, but it also has uses that are little known.
He Mango Bayalso called “European laurel” or “kitchen laurel”, is a plant characterized by Mainly culinary qualities, However, these are not limited to gastronomy, but extend to medicinal and also help Fight the pests.
The plant is a perennial, leafy and ornamental green tree that can grow up to 10 meters in height, with small yellow flowers and oval drupeaceous fruits of less than two centimeters across.
However, the virtues of this plant come from its leaves, which measure up to nine centimeters in length and have a short petiole.
In ancient times, the braided laurel wreath was a symbol of victory and glory. Today, its cultivation is practically spread all over the world.
Laurel in the Kitchen
Bay leaves are used as a spice in many foods. As long as it boils, it is enough to add a few of its leaves to any cooking dish to give it a better flavor.
Bay leaves are used in soups, stews and stews as well as seasoning meat, fish, shellfish and vegetables and even desserts.
They are usually added whole and removed before serving, although they may also be crushed or ground before cooking to give the food a better flavor.
The fruits of the laurel tree are also used culinaryly, but to a lesser extent, to accompany various dishes as garnish.
Even in Italy, the berries are used to prepare a liqueur called Laurino.
Medicinal use
Although its main use is in the kitchen, but bay leaves also have some important medicinal properties.
Bay plant is often used as an appetite-stimulating stomach tonic that eases digestion.
Not only this, it also helps in flushing out the bile accumulated in the gallbladder and reduces the production of gases in the digestive system.
Traditionally, the oil from this plant, known as “laurel butter”, has been used to treat osteoarticular inflammation and pediculosis.
Cockroaches
In a more domestic sense, bay leaves can be used to combat the presence of cockroaches.
Being a herb with a strong aroma and taste, laurel manages to scare away cockroaches that smell it.
It can be applied in very small places, such as under the stove or refrigerator, in the corner of the table, anywhere where the presence of pests is detected.
Side effects
There are very few side effects from the use of laurel, in fact the only harm to health that can occur is in cases of excessive consumption, which in this case can lead to poisoning.
In very rare cases, contact with this plant can lead to dermatitis, however, this has only occurred in the case of cosmetic applications.
There are several species of laurel, some of which can be toxic due to their high content of cyanogenic glycosides, a plant toxin that can produce cyanide. This is Cherry Laurel or Royal Laurel.
