Produce Briefs...
Orange Honeydew Melon
Oval-to-round and a delicious cross between a cantaloupe and a honeydew, the very fleshy juicy orangish-yellow pulp of the orange honeydew melon is encased in a hard very yellow matching rind.
Mangosteen
The Purple mangosteen, botanical name Garcinia magostana, simply referred to as mangosteen, is an ultra-tropical slow growing evergreen tree that is cultivated for its edible fruit.
Seasons/Availability
Bay leaves are available year round.
Current Facts
Bay leaves are the foliage of the shrub-like tree, Bay Laurel, botanical name Laurus nobilis, which belongs to the avocado family, Lauraceae. It is important to note that there are three other plants that are referred to and substituted for the Laurel Bay leaf, the Indian, Indonesian and California "Bay" leaf trees. Only the California Bay tree is of the same family as the Laurel. Though similar in appearance, they do not carry the same flavor profiles or culinary attributes.
Description/Taste
Bay leaves are distinguished by their dark green coloring, ovate and pointed shape, wavy margins and glossy finish (due to the volatile oil, cineole). The leaves range in lengths from 4 to 10 cm. Fresh Bay leaves are often more potent than dried leaves, emitting a pungent and sharp taste, especially if eaten whole. Dried Bay leaves will lose that pungency, yet because the leaves become brittle and sharp, they are not suited for eating. Dried Bay leaves become matte finished and olive in coloring.
Applications
Bay leaves are one of the quintessential ingredients in a cook's arsenal as they have become a backbone of cuisines from all over the world. This is because no other ingredient can replicate the bay leaf's culinary virtues. Bay leaves contain the volatile compound, estragole, which provokes a soothing element to balance heat and spice while also adding depth by enhancing the perception of acidity and savory components of a dish. Bay leaves are a fixture in classic stocks, sauces, soups and stews. They become a trifecta ingredient alongside garlic and olive oil when preparing slow cooked legumes and meats as well as pan-fried seafood such as shrimp and white fish. Crushed Bay leaves impart more flavor than whole, yet they should applied within a tea infuser or cheese cloth. Fresh Bay leaves will provide more flavor than dried Bay leaves.
Geography/History
The Laurel Bay tree is native to Asia Minor and has been cultivated since recorded history. Trade routes carried the Laurel Bay tree to Ancient Greece and Rome and eventually the New World. The tree thrives in Mediterranean climates and will not tolerate cold regions. It grows in the Northern and Western Hemisphere throughout temperate Asia, Europe, Central and North America.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Prepkitchen La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-875-7737 |
| The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
| La Villa | San Diego CA | 619 255 5221 |
| Prepkitchen Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-247-0394 |
| The Craftsman New American Tavern | Encinitas CA | 760-415-2380 |
| Prepkitchen Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-7737 |
| The Smoking Goat | San Diego CA | 858-232-4220 |
| Croces | San Diego CA | 619-233-4355 |
| Lofty Coffee Co. | Encinitas CA | 760-230-6747 |
| Beaumont's | San Diego CA | 858-459-0474 |
| Amber Walsh/Michael Hayes | San Diego CA | 408-596-1191 |
| Blue Water Seafood Market and Grill | San Diego CA | 619-497-0914 |
| Cowboy Star | San Diego CA | 619-450-5880 |
| Tartine | Coronado CA | 619-435-4323 |
| La Costa Blue Fire | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
| JR Produce | San Diego CA | 858-270-3857 |
| Toast Catering | san diego CA | 858.208.9422 |
| Sbicca | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1001 |
| Brooklyn Girl | San Diego CA | 619-296-4600 |
| Cucina Urbana | San Diego CA | 619-239-2222 |
| Gingham | La Mesa CA | 619-797-1922 |
| The Shores | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8271 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Wine Vault & Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-295-3939 |
| Catamaran | San Diego CA | 858-488-1081 |
| Nine - Ten | San Diego CA | 858-964-5400 |
| Red Door Restaurant & Wine Bar | San Diego CA | 619-295-6000 |
| Chef Drew Mc Partlin | San Diego CA | 619-990-9201 |
| Truluck's Seafood Steak and Crab House | San Diego CA | 858-453-2583 |
| Whisknladle | San Diego CA | 858-551-7575 |
| Paradise Point Resort Main Kitchen | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Herringbone | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0221 |
| Toronado San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-282-0456 |
| Blind Lady | San Diego CA | 619-255-2491 |
| Bernard'O Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-487-7171 |
| Soda & Swine | San Diego CA | 619-269-7632 |
| Cafe Chloe | San Diego CA | 619-232-3242 |
| Mainstream Bar & Grill | Poway CA | |
| Currant | San Diego CA | 619-702-6309 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Bay Leaves. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Lucy's Kitchen Notebook |
|
Soupe Auvergnate |
| Elly Says Opa! |
|
Moussaka |
