How to store bay leaves so that they are durable and nutritionally preserved

Bay leaves are available in fresh, dried, and powdered form. Although it has the same function in adding to the aroma and taste of food, the processing of bay leaves certainly affects the strength of the aroma. Not only that, the way to store bay leaves also varies depending on their shape.

So, what is the best way to save this particular spice?

The difference between fresh and dry bay leaves

Bay leaves contain quite a variety of nutrients. One tablespoon of bay leaves contains about 5 calories. Most of these calories come from carbohydrates, while the rest comes from protein and small amounts of fat.

Bay leaves also contain various vitamins and minerals. These vitamins include vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamins B2, B3, B6, and B9. While the minerals in bay leaves include sodium, potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium.

The way you store bay leaves will not change their nutritional content.

However, reported from the Heal With Food long, dry bay leaves do contain less nutrients than fresh bay leaves.

One fresh bay leaf produces two dried bay leaves. This means that 100 grams of dried bay leaves contain half of the total nutrients of fresh bay leaves in the same amount.

Apart from the nutritional content, another aspect that is diminished from dried bay leaves is the aroma.

The heating and drying process of bay leaves eliminates the chemical reactions that play a role in creating odors. As a result, the natural aroma of the bay leaves fades.

However, this is not always a bad thing. The reason is, the faint aroma of dry bay leaves is sometimes needed for dishes that do not have a strong aroma.

Excessive use of fresh bay leaves is also not recommended because it can damage the aroma of cooking.

How to save the right bay leaves

Source: A Curry of A Life

The most appropriate method for storing bay leaves certainly needs to be adjusted to the type of bay leaf you are using. Here's how:

1. Storing fresh bay leaves

Fresh bay leaves are usually more difficult to obtain than dry bay leaves.

Fresh bay leaves can also wilt or even rot if stored for too long. However, proper storage will make fresh bay leaves last longer.

Just prepare some food paper towels and a sealed plastic bag and follow these steps:

1. Before storing the bay leaves, sort them by separating the bay leaves which are brownish in color or contain spots.
2. Take a piece of food paper towel and place the bay leaf on it. Cover again with another bay leaf, then food paper towels, and so on.
3. Put the bay leaf covered with tissue in a sealed plastic bag, then close the seal tightly.
4. Store the bay leaves in the refrigerator.

The best place to store bay leaves is inside freezer. Cold temperature from freezer will freeze the bay leaves and lock in the aroma. This method will also make the bay leaves last for 10 days.

2. Storing dry bay leaves

How to store dry bay leaves is simpler than storing fresh bay leaves. Place the bay leaves in a sealed plastic bag, then store them in a dry, dark storage area at room temperature.

Apart from that, you can also store bay leaves inside freezer. Don't forget to wrap it in a sealed plastic bag so that the bay leaves don't come in direct contact with the inside freezer. This method will make the bay leaves last for 1-2 weeks.

The quality of herbs and spices can be affected by how they are stored. The same is true of bay leaves.

You need to be even more careful because how to store fresh bay leaves is a little different from dry bay leaves.

Provided that they are stored in the right way, you can preserve the scent of the bay leaves and even extend their shelf life. Not only that, you can also get the benefits of bay leaves in optimal conditions.

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