Bayleaf is somewhat poisones right?

Question

Bayleaf is somewhat poisones right?

Answer 1

Culinary bay leaf isn't poisonous. Sometimes the plant Oleander is called Laurel and it is poisonous, never sold commercially except as a garden plant. Not to worry.

Answer 2

Bay leaf is an excellent seasoning and used in all sorts of dishes. What would make you think it's poisonous?

Cajun and Creole foods take liberal use of it and put it in almost any meal that has to cook for a while.

They do taste bad by them selves if you get a whole one so they are pulled out after cooking.

Answer 3

If its poisonous, retailers wouldn't sell it to anyone. I don't crush my bayleaf, I usually put the whole leaf for flavoring and after I finish cooking, I take it out because there is no reason to eat it.

Answer 4

no. at least not in small amounts. i use it in tomato based sauces. 1 leaf to a whole pot.

Answer 5

Not really.  Bay leaves can be ground and crushed and consumed safely in foods.  The related plant called Mountain Laurel is actually toxic to some livestock.  This realtive to the bay leaf is never sold as a herb or a spice but its existance does make many believe bay leaves are similarly poisonouns.  It is actually a good source of antioxidants.

The main issue with bay leaves is:

1)  They pretty much taste like c**p to eat whole.  If you want the strong flavour hit, gind or crush it so it mixes into the recipe.  If you want a milder result, count when you add them and extract the bay leaves prior to serving.

2)  The edges of a bay leaf are quite sharp and can cause cutting to the digestive tract, especially in children.  Bay leaves do not soften readily with cooking so they should always be considered a potential threat if swallowed whole or partially chewed.

Answer 6

No, they just aren't terribly tasty or digestible if eaten.

But they give a wonderful flavor if used in soups, stews, roasts, ect.

Answer 7

Yeah, thats why you cook with it.. because its poisonous

Answer 8

no they arent. i use it in my cooking. i will be dead by now if it was.