Topic: Indian bay leaves

[natterjak]

Hi all,

I'm trying to source indian bay leaves for a recipe.  I'm assuming any bay leaves sold in a UK supermarket will not be Indian ones and that indian bay leaves are distinct in some way.

Looking at the spicesofindia.co.uk website I can find these:  Rajah Brand Bay Leaves 
....but there's nothing to tell me they are indian bay leaves, in fact the description says they're mediterranean bay leaves. 

So (a) would the Rajah bay leaves be indian ones, (b) does it even matter and (c) where can I source indian bay leaves if not from the SOI website?

All a bit confusing really!

[Peripatetic Phil]

I have some genuine Indian bay leaves in front of me as I write, and the one significant thing that you can see immediately is that they have three distinct veins, dividing the leaves longitudinally into four approximately equal parts.  Mine are packed by TRS; those in the photograph by Rajah appear to have only a single vein.

** Phil.

[natterjak]

Thanks Phil, so it seems the Rajah brand (and the others on the SOI website) are not indian bay leaves, a bit strange for a website specialising in Indian spices.  I shall have to continue my hunt for the genuine article.

[Peripatetic Phil]

This article is very informative.
** Phil.

[natterjak]

Thanks Phil, that gives me some background info to go on.

[Malc.]

This article is very informative.
** Phil.

Interesting link,"The intensely sweet cinnamon aroma convinced us to take a bag home".

I would never have said that about the bag of Asian Bay I picked up recently.

[Peripatetic Phil]

They are available online here.

[martinvic]

I presume these are the correct type, well judging by the picture anyway?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280606424973&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

[Malc.]

Yes Martin, they are correct. It is the distinct pattern of 3 veins that tells them apart, as Phil pointed out.

[natterjak]

Thanks Martin, 100g of bay leaves would last me a very long time I think.  I'll look around and see if I can find a smaller pack.