NONG Safe

Bay Leaf

Laurus nobilis

Herb
Laurus nobilis — a tree leaf. Bay leaves are NONG safe and used as an aromatic in rice dishes and curries.

About Bay Leaf

Bay leaves are aromatic leaves from the Laurus nobilis tree, used to infuse flavor into rice, curries, and stocks. They are NONG safe and a common whole spice in Indian cooking.

🍳 Cooking Tips

Bay leaf is NONG safe. Add 1-2 leaves to hot oil when starting a dish, or directly to boiling rice/dal. Remove before serving — bay leaves are for infusing aroma, not eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bay leaf NONG safe?
Yes. Bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) is a tree leaf from the Lauraceae family and is completely NONG safe.
Is Indian bay leaf different from European bay leaf?
Yes. Indian bay leaf (tej patta, Cinnamomum tamala) has a cinnamon-like aroma, while European bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) is more herbal. Both are NONG safe.