Description: Bay Leaves come from the sweet bay or laurel tree, known botanically as Laurus Nobilis. An essential ingredient in American kitchens, bay leaves are used in soups, stews, meat and vegetable dishes. The leaves also flavor classic French dishes such as bouillabaisse and bouillon. Bay Leaves are pungent and have a sharp, bitter taste that goes well with beans, game, lentils, potatoes, risotto, shellfish, and tomatoes.