Bay Leaf Tea

Slofoodgroup Team September 12, 2022

Making Tea Out Of Bay Leaves

You’ve probably used dried bay leaves plenty of times in savory dishes such as stews, thick pasta sauces, braises, and marinades. Moreso than not, it is added whole and removed prior to serving the meal. The leaf of the Bay Laurel tree is prominent in many dishes because the flavor melds beautifully, lending a bit of brightness and helping to marry other ingredients. It typically settles into the background, though, and rarely plays a starring role. So even though you are familiar with this useful spice, you may not have the slightest clue what it actually tastes like. 

Dried bay leaves are incredibly aromatic and possess subtle notes of mint and pine with further complexities of flavor reminiscent of eucalyptus, black pepper, fresh cut grass, and even a delicate sweetness akin to citrus  blossoms. While they are most notably represented in hearty dishes, those flavor and aromatic properties position this herb perfectly for consumables on the lighter side, as well. Think broths, vinaigrettes, seafood dishes, and yes, even tea. 

If you really want to fully experience the  flavor profile of bay leaf, we highly recommend sitting down to a cup of bay leaf tea. It is light, bright, satisfying, and thirst-quenching, but that isn’t the only reason folks like to drink it. 

Bay leaf has been noted to improve digestion, take the edge off coughs, lower cholesterol, ease stomach pain, alleviate sinus pressure, treat migraines, and more. Furthermore, they are loaded with important vitamins and nutrients that could improve your immune system function.

Bay leaf tea is wonderful on its own, but the options are pretty much endless when it comes to flavor additions. Some folks prefer to brew their bay leaf tea with ginger, lemon, or mint leaves. We think it is equally fantastic with lemongrass, blade of mace, or cinnamon. We like it in the morning with just a bit of lemon and honey and in the evening with honey and milk. 

How to Make Bay Leaf Tea

Ingredients

• 3-4 dried bay leaves
• 2 cups of water
• Optional: Mint leaves, lemongrass, lemon juice, ginger, cinnamon, mace blade, honey, milk

Procedure

1. Bring your water to a boil and drop in your bay leaves.
2. If you are adding ginger, cinnamon, mace blade, or lemongrass, add those at this time too. 
3. Boil for 3 minutes
4. If you choose to add mint, place it in the pot and remove from heat. 
5. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
6. Stir in your the optional honey, lemon juice and/or milk, if desired, and serve.