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txpgapro
09-19-2005, 06:49 PM
I just cut down a 15 ft. bay leaf tree. Bay leaves are widely used throughout the world. It may be best known in bouquets garnis or used similarly in soups, sauces, stews, daubes and courts-bouillon’s, an appropriate seasoning for fish, meat and poultry. Bay leaf is often included as a pickling spice. Bay leaves and berries have been used for their astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emetic and stomachic properties. Bay Oil, or Oil of Bays (Oleum Lauri) is used in liniments for bruising and sprains. In the Middle Ages it was believed to induce abortions and to have many magical qualities. It was once used to keep moths away, owing to the leafs lauric acid content which gives it insecticidal properties.

But is it ok to use in the pit?
TexasBorn
09-19-2005, 08:51 PM
Is that the same as laurel?

Anyhoo, Bay is listed here: http://www.virtualweberbullet.com/woods.html#appropriate
txpgapro
09-19-2005, 09:01 PM
Thanks TexasBorn. Guess I'll just dry the leaves then stack the branches and trunk away to cure. Sure smells good. I bet it would be good with duck, turkey, lamb or brisket. Anyway it will be interesting to try later.
TexasBorn
09-19-2005, 09:03 PM
there are several bays and laurels. Some like California Bay or Mountain Laurel are to be avoided. See the link to see which bay you have. http://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/launobilis.htm

TB
txpgapro
09-19-2005, 09:05 PM
Only see one link. "Bay" is listed as ok.
TexasBorn
09-19-2005, 09:06 PM
Sorry, having trouble typing tonight. I was editing and goofed up.

TB
txpgapro
09-19-2005, 10:23 PM
Well I got the kind you cook with, so it should be ok to burn.
camocooker
09-20-2005, 12:26 PM
So... why did ya cut it down when it was giving you all them magical bay leaves for free?
txpgapro
09-20-2005, 12:28 PM
It had been overtaken by a red-tipped photinia. Dead on one side and crooked on the other. Really ungly!
jshively
09-20-2005, 03:44 PM
I love bay leaves. Perfect for everything. Never smoked with it but always one of those herbs I buy every couple of weeks because always needed.
txpgapro
09-20-2005, 04:30 PM
PM me your address and I'll send you an envelope full.
jshively
09-21-2005, 08:47 AM
PM me your address and I'll send you an envelope full.

Check PMs bud.