Indispensable to most cuisines, Bay Leaves are robust, strongly aromatic with a woody, astringent flavour and a pleasant, slightly minty aroma. They are fundamental flavouring ingredient in stocks, soups and stews. Bay Leaves are part of a bouquet garni and are used in Mediterranean dishes such as Ratatouille. Excellent in marinades for grilled meats such as lamb or kidney and as a garnish for country terrines. Used in Indian cooking to flavour rice pilafs and Biryani and can be an ingredient in the Indian spice blend, garam masala.