Re: [CH] Bay Tree

fragrantgarden (fragrantgarden@fastlink.com.au)
Thu, 25 May 2000 09:19:49 +1100 

Serendippity!!!!!
I was preparing some information for a little segment I do on herbs on the
local TV station.
I was going to talk about Bay but am having some trouble getting enough
information.
Any practical hints people have on Bay would be appreciated
Here is wahat I have written so far
Mad King Michael

Michael's Fact sheet
The Noble Bay, The Sweet Bay, The Olympic Herb
Cooking/Food uses	The centre piece of the classic mix of herbs called
"Bouquet garni" or a bouquet of herbs.  This is a mixture of herbs tied
into a bunch or placed in muslin and removed after cooking. bay leaves are
tough and need to be removed from the dish before serving.
Bay laurel goes with almost anything it compliments most herb flavours.
fresh leaves are better than dried. It is easy to dry your own leaves just
pick them and leave in a warm spot in the kitchen! especially good with
soups and casseroles. Try some boiled in with water you use to cook rice or
pasta. An essential ingredient along with Tarragon for Bernaise sauce
Cosmetic	Oil sometimes used in bath oils and for skin
Description	tall stately tree to 50 feet(15m), dark green glossy leaves
3inches long
Essential Oil	The essential oil is rarely available (used in large scale
food production) but one of its brothers "Bay Rum" is used in men's hair
tonics and some Shampoos. The Fragrant Garden sells bay Rum oil ( very
cheaply)
Flowering time Erina	Summer , small creamy white flowers
Fragrance 	Distinctive and fresh. Contains 1,8 cineole (also found in
eucalyptus) Alpha-terpinyl acetate (a lavender like fragrance) and linalool
(the main fragrance chemical in Lavender.
Growing Conditions
frost	Sunny well drained spot but is hardy in many positions. It will
tolerate all but the very most extreme frost
Horticultural use	Often grow in pots and cut into standards
makes and excellent hedge as it suckers easily. Just cut the hedge at the
desired height and save the leaves for your dinner!
Literature,
Folklore, History, Myth/ Legend.	.An excellent tree for repelling
witches and lightening:
"Neither Witch nor devil,
Thunder nor lightning
will hurt a man where a Bay tree is"
Mizaldus the Wizard
Traditionally in Ancient Greek and Roman times wreaths were made from the
plants and placed upon the heads of victors, be it sporting or war.
Medicinal Uses	James Duke says "leaves and fruits are said to possess
stimulant and narcotic properties" also traditionally used for
Names.
 Common
Botanical
Bay Tree Sweet Bay
Lauralus nobilis
Pests	The main pest is scale. This can be very difficult to control. In
winter spray affected trees with white oil mixed with pyrethrum. be sure to
spray all over the tree including under the leaves. Alternatively if your
tree is small scrub off the scale from each leaf with soapy (not detergent)
water and a old toothbrush.
Propagation	By cuttings or seed. Seed is difficult but gives faster
growth. Cuttings can take 12 months to root. The suckers from plants seem
to grow the quickest
Size	Very large Tree. Often grown in pots.
Varieties	At least fifteen varieties, mostly never seen in Australia.
There is a golden variegated leafed variety and a willow leaved variety.
The "Californian Bay" (Umbellularia californiica) should not be used in cooking
z Miscellaneous
Comments 	A bay Leaf placed in a flower storage jar is said to repel
weevil and moths.
 Bay leaves repel cockroaches and feels this is due to the cineol in the
leaves.(Cucumber skins also repel cockroaches due to the trans-2-noneal in
the skin)


Michael Bailes, The Fragrant Garden, Portsmouth Road, Erina. N.S.W. 2250
Australia. (OZ); International fax 61 243 651979          Phone 4367 7322
Web page at: http://www.fragrantgarden.com.au/
 Email: <fragrantgarden@fastlink.com.au>
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