Bay leaf is one of the oldest herbs or spices known and it is an essential ingredient in cooking of Authentic Indian Cuisine and it is especially known for its distinctive flavor and fragrance. It is native of Asia Minor and is known by the name of Sweet bay, bay laurel, Noble laurel and True laurel. These leaves have aromatic odor and are bitter and spicy.

The Indian bay leaf also called as tej patta comes from Cinnamomum tejpata (malabathrum), a tree which is similar in fragrance and taste to cinnamon bark, but milder. When fresh, bay leaves are highly aromatic and bitter.The flavor is improved and bitterness is reduced by using appropriate drying procedure.