The aromatic leaf from the evergreen bay laurel tree, native to the Mediterranean. There are two varieties: Turkish (1 to 2 inch long oval) and California (2 to 3 inch long narrow) leaves. The Turkish is said to have the better flavor.
plural: bay leavesSeason: available year-round
How to select: Fresh bay leaves are rarely available.
How to store: Keep for 6 months in a cool dark place.
How to prepare: Flavor soups, stews and long-cooking dishes, but remove before serving.
Matches well with: beans, game, lentils, potatoes, risotto, shellfish, soups, stews, tomatoes
Substitutions: 1/4 tsp crushed bay leaf = 1 whole bay leaf = 1/4 tsp thyme
The Italians are particularly fond of this pungent herb with its needle-like leaves. They often use it to flavor meats and tomato sauces. Rosemary stems, stripped of their leaves, can also be used as skewers for kabobs. Dried rosemary is an excellent substitute for fresh.
Season: available year-round
Matches well with: beans, chicken, fish, game, grains, lamb, mushrooms, onions, oranges, peas, pork, potatoes, poultry, salmon, spinach, steaks, veal
Substitutions: 1 tablespoon fresh = 1 teaspoon dried; sage OR savory OR thyme
There are more than 30 varieties of parley, but the most common are curly-leaf and the more pungent Italian or flat-leaf parsley. The flat-leaf has more flavor than curly parsley and is preferred for cooking, while dried parsley has little flavor at all. In ancient times parsley wreaths were used to ward off drunkenness. Chewing parsley will help with bad breath from food odors such as garlic.
Season: available year-round
How to select: Choose bright green leaves that show no sign of wilting.
How to store: Rinse and wrap in a paper towel and then a plastic bag. Refrigerated it will last for a week. You can freeze parsley! Just clean, chop and let dry; then put in little baggies and seal.
How to prepare: The leaves are most commonly used, however the stalks are good for adding flavor to stocks.
Matches well with: chicken, eggplant, eggs, fish, game, lentils, mushrooms, mussels, pasta, peas, potatoes, poultry, rice, seafood, tomatoes, zucchini, lemon
Substitutions: 1 tsp dried parsley = 1 tbsp fresh parsley; curly parsley OR Italian parsley OR chervil OR celery tops OR cilantro
