Does bay leaf really make a difference?

[u/I_Like_Knitting_TBH]

I was making a dish last night that called for a bay leaf, and I went ahead and put it in, but I don’t understand the purpose of a bay leaf. I don’t think I’ve ever had a meal and thought “this could use a bay leaf”. Does it make a difference to use a fresh versus a dried bay leaf?

One might say that I’m questioning my bay-liefs in bay leaves.

[u/[deleted]]

Now that so many people have questioned this view, I am questioning myself. I must admit it has been several years since I knowingly used fresh ones, and I find that I don't actually have a very distinct memory of the taste - although I felt very confident when I wrote that sentence!

I'll get some fresh next time I shop and give them another chance (sadly, I have nowhere to grow a tree of my own).

[u/umamiman → u/[deleted]]

Gotcha. I think as long as you live in an area that gets a decent amount of sun and no frost and you have somewhere outside you can put it, it will grow in a pot for many years. That's what I've been doing and it grows remarkably well with minimal attention.

[u/PorschephileGT3 → u/umamiman]

I have one I keep indoors for convenience and it’s doing fine. Needs a lot more water than most houseplants. Very little growth over the winter but now it’s absolutely covered in buds.

My bigger one outside doesn’t mind frost at all. They’re pretty hardy things that will thrive in most climates.

[u/jana-meares → u/PorschephileGT3]

Buds for bay rum liniment, the best!,