Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) is an aromatic plant of the laurel family (Lauraceae), which also grows wild in Greece.
It is a shrub or small tree with lance-shaped, deep green leaves that have a short stalk and a slightly wavy form.
Bay laurel is hardy, tolerates low temperatures and doesn’t need regular watering, which makes it an ideal choice for anyone who likes to have plants on the balcony but doesn’t have the time to look after them.
Its leaves are aromatic and are used in cooking to lend their fragrance to sauces, fish, pulses and meat.
It flowers in March and April. Bay laurel is known for the antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and soothing (for the stomach) properties of its leaves and fruit.
Did you know…
This plant has been known since antiquity, when it was considered a sacred tree dedicated to the god Apollo. First the Greeks, and later the Romans, used to crown the winners of the games with laurel branches, associating the laurel with glory, victory and excellence.
Text: Natasa Lianopoulou
