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Bay Leaf (Dried)
Herbs & Spices

Bay Leaf (Dried)

94
Health
ScoreA+

Dried bay leaf is an aromatic culinary leaf rich in iron, calcium, manganese, and vitamin A, carrying cineole and other terpenes used to flavor slow-cooked dishes.

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Why Bay Leaf (Dried) scores 94

Nutrient density30
Protein quality8
Fiber content10
Healthy fats6
Bioactive compounds14
Glycemic impact10
Top nutrients

% Daily Value per a pinch (2 g)

Manganese 7.1%Iron 4.8%Vitamin B6 2.0%Calcium 1.3%Vitamin C 1.0%

Nutrition

per_100g

313
Calories
7.6g
Protein
75g
Carbs
8.4g
Fat
26.3g
Fiber

Health benefits

May support healthy blood glucose and lipid levels

limited evidence

Polyphenols in bay leaf have been shown in small trials to improve insulin function and lower fasting glucose and cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes

Provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

moderate evidence

Cineole, eugenol, and parthenolide-type compounds scavenge free radicals and inhibit inflammatory enzymes

Aids digestion and reduces bloating

limited evidence

Volatile aromatic oils stimulate digestive secretions and exert carminative effects when infused into food

Contributes manganese and iron as enzyme cofactors

limited evidence

Exceptional manganese supports antioxidant SOD and metabolic enzymes, while iron contributes to oxygen transport when leaves are consumed in ground form

Pairs well with

  • ·Add to soups, stocks, and braises because bay's flavor compounds extract slowly into liquid over long cooking
  • ·Pair with tomato-based sauces and stews where its herbal backbone balances acidity and richness
  • ·Combine with thyme, peppercorn, and parsley in a classic bouquet garni for layered aromatic depth

Practical tips

  • ·Best timing: Bay leaf is an infusing aromatic with no time-of-day dependency; use whenever long-cooked dishes call for it.
  • ·Add bay leaves whole at the start of long-cooked dishes and always remove before serving, as the stiff leaf is a choking hazard and unpleasant to eat
  • ·Crack or score the leaf slightly to speed extraction of its volatile oils
  • ·Store dried bay leaves whole in an airtight container; whole leaves retain aroma far longer than ground bay

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97
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97
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97
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97
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96
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