Sabtu, 21 Juni 2014

Many Aspects Of Dried Bay Leaves

By Sherry Gross


Preparing tasty dishes to serve at meals often means knowing just the right herbs and spices to blend together in order to properly enhance the flavors of all the primary ingredients. Different types of cuisines call for varying mixtures which help them achieve their signature styles. Many recipes from all around the world call for the addition of dried bay leaves because of their interesting properties.

This product grows on the branches of the laurel trees indigenous to Turkey and the Mediterranean areas surrounding it, and though technically an herb, it functions best as a spice. Some groves in California also farm this item, though that strain has a slightly different taste. Once a primary material for creating head wreaths for the champions of the early Olympic games, they are now used as a decorative and crafting medium and are a must have for any well versed kitchen.

Spices usually work best when combined with others that compliment their functions. Alone, the product of the laurel trees has a rich flavor that is quite savory though is much too soft and subtle to truly be appreciated. When used in conjunction with something like oregano or cloves, culinary magic happens and the tastes of all ingredients are amplified.

This herb is quite resilient in that it is not something that must be purchased regularly. Fresh pieces are a bit difficult to locate for most of the year, but for those who prefer to purchase them fresh, anything not immediately used may be frozen for a later time. The dried version is much more obtainable, works just as well and though it can be stored in a pantry for what seems like forever, it is best to replace the stock every few years.

The old product does not have to be tossed away when fresh stock is brought in. They can be used to create lovely decorative pieces, added to a fragrant potpourri mix and other crafty purposes. They make a perfect filler for a sachet or drawer liner when crushed and can keep garments from smelling stale.

Among the most effective uses of this product is as an ingredient in dishes that cook very slowly. Exposing the herb to the heating process over a long period of time activates the properties that enhance the flavors of the vegetables, meats and spices also in the vessel. This item is a must when it comes to creating a savory stew, soup, stock, marinade, sauce or pot of beans or lentils.

Steaming also allows the herb's true strength to be realized. It releases the flavorings and permits them to more fully permeate the other ingredients in the dish. The tastes of vegetables, chicken, seafood and fish all tend to be more vibrant when steam cooked using this herb as an enhancers.

For best results, each leaf should remain whole or only halved when used for preparing culinary dishes. All pieces need to be removed from the mixture before it is served. Although the herb is quite beneficial during the cooking process and lends much to the overall flavoring, when eaten alone, the taste is not at all appetizing or easily digested.




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