Bay laurel is an evergreen shrub or tree native to the Mediterranean area, best known for its leaves which are widely used as a kitchen seasoning. Pointed oval leaves are deep, glossy green with a leathery texture and have little aroma either fresh or dried. But when added to cooking liquids bay leaf releases essential oils that add a peppery, minty and slightly bitter flavor to soups, stews and sauces.
Bay laurel (Laurel nobilis) is also rich in symbolism dating to early Greek civilization with dozens of examples found throughout history. It represents a number of virtues including achievement, wisdom, victory, and everlasting love. Romans adopted the symbolism crowning their emperors with laurel wreaths. The word baccalaureate stems from the Greek “laureate” for laurel tree and Latin “bacca” for berry.
Bay Laurel is a slow-growing tree best planted in spring. Its dioecious which means both male and female plants are needed to produce flowers and berries. When pollinated, small yellow flowers develop into dark purple berries in the fall. Natural growth habit produces a medium- to large-sized tree with multiple stems that form a dense green pyramidal canopy. Bay laurel accepts heavy pruning, so you just as often see it as a shrub or container plant.
Bay laurel is somewhat easy to care for indoors or outdoors with potted plants generally kept to 4 to 8 feet tall, while unpruned landscape plants can grow from 30 to 60 feet tall. Though the leaves are often used in cooking, they are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.
Bay laurel and bay leaf are the same. However, aromatic plants such as California bay (Umbellularia californica), and others, may be mislabeled in the store as bay leaf because of the similarities in fragrance and taste.
Bay laurel, with its aromatic and flavorful leaves, is a beloved culinary herb used around the world While bay laurel plants are relatively easy to grow, knowing the best time and methods to harvest the leaves can ensure you get the highest quality yield In this article, we’ll explore when to harvest bay laurel and effective harvesting techniques.
When’s the Best Time to Harvest Bay Laurel?
The optimal time to harvest bay laurel leaves is in the late spring and early summer months This period coincides with the most vigorous growth and leaf production. Leaves harvested at this stage will have the highest concentration of aromatic essential oils, allowing their flavor to really sing in your recipes
Many gardeners wait until their bay laurel plant is at least two years old before taking any substantial harvests. This allows the plant time to become fully established. After the initial waiting period, you can sustainably harvest leaves multiple times per year during the growing season.
Avoid harvesting bay leaves in the fall and winter when plants enter dormancy The leaves often lose quality and flavor during this slower growth phase
Effective Techniques for Harvesting Bay Laurel Leaves
Pruning
The most straightforward bay leaf harvesting method is to use pruning shears or scissors to selectively cut off leaves and small stems. Make cuts just above leaf nodes to encourage new growth.
Stripping
For larger harvests, gently stripping leaves from branches by hand is efficient. Hold the base of a stem and slide your fingers along the length to detach leaves. Avoid tearing branches.
Snapping
Clasp a leaf stem between your thumb and forefinger. Apply pressure to snap leaves off quickly. Be cautious not to damage tender new growth.
Pinching
Simply pinch individual mature leaves near their base to pluck them off the plant. Pinching encourages new foliage production.
Air Drying
After harvest, bay leaves must be dried before use in cooking. Hang small bundles or spread leaves out on screens in a warm, dry spot. Allow 7-10 days to fully dry.
Storage
Once dried, store leaves in airtight glass jars or containers away from sunlight for up to 1 year. Refrigerating extends fresh leaves’ lifespan for several weeks.
FAQs About Harvesting Bay Laurel
How often can I harvest my bay laurel plant?
Harvest only once or twice per year during the growing season for established plants. Avoid overharvesting, leaving ample foliage for continued growth.
When’s the latest I can harvest bay leaves?
Stop harvesting by early fall at the latest to allow plants to harden off for winter dormancy. Harvesting too late risks frost damage.
Can I use fresh bay leaves for cooking?
Yes, but flavor will be more mild and subtle than dried. Use fresh leaves within a few days for best quality.
How do I dry bay leaves quickly?
Use a food dehydrator on low setting for fastest drying. Additional options include baking at 180°F until crisp or microwaving briefly between paper towels.
What’s the shelf life of dried bay leaves?
Properly stored bay leaves retain optimal flavor for 9-12 months. Toss old leaves once they lose their scent.
In Summary
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Harvest bay laurel leaves during the late spring and summer for peak flavor and essential oil content.
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Allow new plants to establish for 1-2 years before taking any substantial harvests.
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Pruning, stripping by hand, snapping off leaves, and pinching are quick and easy harvesting methods.
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Dry leaves thoroughly before use in cooking.
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Store dried bay leaves in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.
With the right harvesting techniques and timing, it’s simple for any home gardener to enjoy an abundance of flavorful, aromatic bay leaves. Pay close attention to the plant’s growth habits and only collect leaves judiciously to maintain plant health. Incorporate freshly dried bay into your favorite soups, stews, marinades and more.
Propagating Bay Laurel
Bay laurel is relatively easy to propagate by rooting softwood cuttings. This is a slow-growing plant, so be patient. Youll need a small hand pruner, small pots, coarse sand, rooting hormone, and plastic coverings. Then follow these steps.
- In summer, use sterile pruners to take 6-inch cuttings from green, pliable branches.
- Fill small pots with coarse, moist sand, then dip the tip of each cutting into rooting hormone, and plant it in its container.
- Cover containers loosely with plastic, securing it with rubber bands.
- Place containers in a warm location with bright indirect light.
- Within a month or two roots should develop. Tug gently on the cutting and if you feel resistance roots have formed. Remove plastic covering and continue growing the cuttings until they are large enough for a permanent pot or an outdoor garden location.
Pruning
Pruning a bay laurel is straightforward and done to control the size and shape of your plant. New dense growth will emerge from wherever you snip off the branches. Pruning is best done when the tree is not actively growing, from late winter to early spring before new growth emerges. You can prune as much or as little as you like to keep the tree small or to create a topiary artwork.