Without a doubt, laurel is one of the most used aromatic plants in Mediterranean cuisine. In addition, it is a very easy vegetable to grow at home. We can plant it directly in the soil of the garden or orchard or in a pot. With good care we can harvest its leaves to give our dishes a little more flavor. However, it is important that we know how to dry bay leaves before adding them to food.
To help you enrich your dish and your knowledge, in this article we will explain how to dry bay leaves and also how to keep them so that they last longer. I hope this information is useful to you!
How are bay leaves dried?
Before explaining how to dry bay leaves, it is important to note that the Laurus nobilis It is the only species belonging to the laurel family that is edible. This vegetable is not usually consumed freshly picked, since it has a very spicy and bitter taste. As for the bay leaves, these are rough, hard and even dangerous if we consume them raw. That is why it is essential to dry them first. before adding them to our dishes.
Although it is true that this aromatic plant is used above all to add some flavor to various culinary recipes, such as stews, soups, fish or meat, it is also used in the pharmaceutical world. Laurel has certain medicinal properties that have been used for a long time. For example, it is of great help to carry out digestion, reduce inflammation or relieve stomach ailments. Also, bay leaves have insecticidal components that can be very useful to combat and repel some of the most common pests in gardens and orchards.
When it comes to drying bay leaves, there are various processes that we can use. However, we will explain the traditional method, which is the simplest, since no type of tool is required. It is best to collect the leaves in the summer in the morning, as this is when they are driest. Then, we can dry them in two ways: Take and dry only the leaves of the vegetable or cut branches and dry them in bunches. Both options are very similar in terms of process and drying time.
Dry only the leaves
To dry only the bay leaves, we must first collect them carefully so that they do not break. When selecting them, the most recommended is take those that are healthy and that do not have marks of any kind. If possible, the largest ones are the best option. In the event that they had a little moisture, we have to dry them using kitchen paper, for example.
Once we have the leaves, we must prepare a large space that has good aeration. It is important that does not have humidity and does not receive direct sunlight. There you have to place kitchen towels and spread the bay leaves on them. The further apart they are, the better.
After placing them as far apart as possible, we must let them dry for at least two weeks. From time to time we can remove them to ensure that they all dry equally. After the drying time has elapsed, the bay leaves should have turned a dark green color and be completely dry. In the event that they still had some area that is soft to the touch, we should leave them for another day or so.
dry corsages
The process of drying laurel bouquets is very similar to the previous one. Instead of just collecting the leaves, we should use garden shears to cut a few small branches and then tie them together. Each bouquet should ideally contain about five or six units. Once we have the bouquets tied, we have to hang them upside down in a well-ventilated area that does not receive direct sunlight, as in the case of the leaves. They should remain there for two to three weeks, depending on the environment of the room. It should be said that the darkness will give them a much stronger and more powerful aroma and flavor.
How to preserve bay leaves
Now that we know how to dry bay leaves, what do we do with them? The best way to store them is by putting them in plastic bags with airtight seals. Another option would be to store the dried bay leaves in covered mason jars. As for the location, it is best to keep them in cool places and without direct sunlight. In this way they will maintain their flavor and aroma for longer. We can usually store bay leaves in this way for about a whole year.
Tricks and tips
We already know everything we need to know about how to dry bay leaves and how to store them afterwards. Even so, I am going to give you some tips and tricks about this aromatic plant.
It is of utmost importance that we keep the leaves away from sunlight to better preserve its flavor and aroma. In addition, the color of the same will be better maintained if we keep them in the dark. A rather curious fact is that the best way to store dried bay leaves is in the fridge. Thanks to the cold, they preserve their aroma much better. Of course, they should always be hermetically sealed.
It should be noted that the leaves are usually very strong in terms of flavor. For this reason, a single bay leaf is usually enough to flavor a meal, such as a stew. Once the cooking is finished, it is advisable to remove the leaf, as it is not very pleasant to bite on it and it can be somewhat annoying.
Taking these tips into account and following the steps on how to dry bay leaves, you can now try it yourself at home. Also, This same process can also be used for other aromatic plants, such as oregano, rosemary or thyme. These are generally cut into branches and can be left to dry hanging or flat, but following the same indications regarding the environment as for the laurel.