Bay laurel is a Mediterranean evergreen whose dried leaves flavour soups, stews and sauces in European cooking. It is not Indian tejpatta, Cinnamomum tamala, which looks similar but has three main veins and a cinnamon-like scent. Ancient Greeks crowned victors and poets with laurel wreaths. Its leaves can be confused with poisonous cherry laurel.
- Botanical name
- Laurus nobilis L.
- Family
- Lauraceae
- Tamil
- Lavrangapattai ilai (European)
- Hindi
- Tejpat (European)
- Parts used
- Leaves
- Habit
- Evergreen Mediterranean shrub grown for a culinary leaf
- Last updated
- 2026-10-27
How to recognise Sweet bay
It is an evergreen shrub or small tree with dense, dark foliage.
The leaves are leathery, narrow-oval and pointed, with one central vein and wavy edges, aromatic when crushed.
Small, pale yellow flowers grow in clusters in spring, male and female on separate plants.
Female trees bear small, black, olive-like berries.
Indian tejpatta has three strong veins running from base to tip.
Traditional use of Sweet bay
Kitchen
Dried bay leaves are simmered in soups, stews, sauces and bouquet garni, then removed before serving.
European food practice
Ritual
Laurel wreaths crowned winners at the ancient Pythian Games, sacred to Apollo.
Ancient Greek tradition
Household
Oil pressed from the berries is a traditional ingredient of Aleppo soap in Syria.
Levantine craft practice
Modern notes on Sweet bay
The leaf aroma comes mainly from cineole and linalool.
In India, most leaves sold as bay leaf are tejpatta, not bay laurel.
Cherry laurel, Prunus laurocerasus, has similar glossy leaves but contains cyanide-releasing compounds.
Sweet bay safety
Remove whole bay leaves before eating, since their stiff edges can scratch the throat. Never use leaves of an unidentified laurel shrub, which may be cherry laurel.
Ecology and sourcing
It is native to the Mediterranean region.
Bees pollinate its flowers.
Birds eat its berries.
Related plants
Also in Lauraceae
Questions about Sweet bay
Is bay leaf the same as tejpatta?
No. Tejpatta is Cinnamomum tamala.
Should I eat the leaf of Sweet bay?
No. Remove it before serving.
What is a laurel wreath?
A crown of bay leaves for victors.
Can Sweet bay grow in India?
Only in cool hill gardens.
Is cherry laurel safe?
No. It is poisonous.
Can Sweet bay be grown in a pot?
Yes. It is often clipped into topiary shapes.
Sources
- Laurus nobilis L. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q26006 (Laurus nobilis)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.