Pictures | Laurus nobilis by Carol Dorsey

By Carol Dorsey, Mobile I County Master Gardener mobilecountymastergardeners.org

One of the last steps a cook takes before serving okra or kidney beans is to remove the bay leaf. Why? Although it is an essential herbal flavoring in these Cajun or Creole dishes, the bay leaf could suffocate the diner because the leaf does not soften during cooking. Dried bay leaves are added to many soups, stews, meats, and seafood dishes to impart woody, floral, and citrus flavors. What makes these flavors?

The leaves of Laurus nobilis, or Mediterranean bay leaves, contain a complex array of organic compounds, including tannins, flavonoids and antioxidants. The myriad of compounds not only flavor our foods and smell great, but some demonstrate antimicrobial activity. Historically, bay leaves have been used for the treatment of wounds, stomach aches, and joint pains in many parts of the world, including Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa, where bay laurel is a herb. native. Other genera used as Laurus nobilis are the North American natives, Umbelliaria california or California bay, which is often used fresh, and Magnolia virginiana or Sweetbay Magnolia.

Although Larus nobilis is not native to North America, it grows well outdoors in USDA planting zones 8-10. Some sources say the plant is hardy to zone 5 with protection. Container growing is an option north of zone 8. Growing this genus of plants is simple with well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. A 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch can moderate soil moisture changes. Laurus can’t stand being waterlogged. However, it also does not do well in dry soil, a consideration in container growing.

Light requirements are full sun to partial shade in the afternoon. Pests are not a big problem with an established plant, but scale insects and aphids can infest plants. The soft-bodied scale insect looks like small white dots, perhaps a few on the top of the leaf and more on the underside. The mealybug’s piercing feed provides a honeydew food source for the sooty mold, resulting in a black cover on the lower leaves. Identifying the pests and treating with an organic neem oil solution prepared and sprayed according to the manufacturer’s instructions on the package can control the scale. With these growing basics in mind, your evergreen laurel can grow over 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide.

What to do with those shiny dark green leaves? Do as the Greeks do! Make a laurel wreath for someone who has been victorious or honorable. Since ancient times, the laurel wreath, also known as laurels, in the shape of a circle or a horseshoe from fresh leaves and branches, has been a symbol of respect, therefore a “laureate”, as in the case of a Nobel laureate or a poet laureate, who does not “rest on their laurels.

For kitchen applications, however, it is best to dry bay leaves before using them. Fresh bay laurel can be bitter, but drying the leaves mellows the bitterness and concentrates the flavor compounds. Drying the leaves can be as simple as laying individual leaves on towels out of direct sunlight in a ventilated area for a few weeks, turning them after the first week. If you use a dehydrator, the leaves could be dry in less than four hours. Dehydrate until the leaves are brittle with no soft, bendable areas. Store the leaves in an airtight container for up to a year.

When you serve your victors a pot of okra deliciously seasoned with the country’s bay leaves, also offer them a laurel and sturdy handshake. Then you can celebrate your culinary prowess and growing abilities with the addition of Laurus nobilis, Mediterranean berry, to your garden.

Gardening events for your calendar:

What: Become a Mobile County MG in 2022

When: Classes are held from early August to early November, every Thursday, at 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Fees: for materials used in the 12-week course

Where: 1070 Schillinger Road N., Mobile

Application deadline: June 7

More information: Call 251-574-8445 or email [email protected]

What: Hurricane Assessment Workshop

When: May 17, 8:30 a.m. to noon

Price: Free, invited audience; call 251-574-8445 to register

Responsible: Jack LeCroy, Regional Extension Officer

Where: Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, 1906 Springhill Ave., Mobile

What: Introducing Hurricane Resistant Trees

When: July 7 at 11 a.m.

Price: Free, invited audience

Speaker: Beau Brodbeck, Ph.D., Community Forestry Extension Specialist

Where: Jon Archer Center, 1070 Schillinger Road N., Mobile

What: Market in the park

Get fresh vegetables and craft items

Where: 300, rue Conti, mobile

When: Saturdays, May 7 to July 9, 7:30 a.m. to noon

Search: Master Gardener tent to ask your gardening questions

What: Visit the Mobile Botanical Gardens

Where: 5151 Museum Drive, Mobile

When: Wednesday to Sunday (check website for times and prices)

Lunch: Book on Wednesdays and Fridays

More information: MobileBotanicalGardens.org

What: Enjoy the mobile Japanese garden

Where: 700 Forest Hill Drive, Mobile

When: Daily, during daylight hours

Price: Free, but donations requested

More information: MobileJapaneseGarden.com

What: Visit Bellingrath Gardens

Where: 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore

When: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily

More information: bellingrath.org

Master Gardener Helpline: 877-252-4769