Do Bay Leave do anything?

[FrostRanger]

I am convinced they add absolutely nothing. They smell and taste like diddley squat. And yes, I have tried fresh bay leaves and even with my face right in them I can smell absolutely nothing

 

[Debbie292d]

I put a couple in beef stew, then remove them before serving. After they boil, you'll smell 'em! I know some use them in chili and other soups too.

Oh, you meant for chickens? #3. https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/top-50-herbs-for-your-chickens.77443/

 

[FrostRanger]

I put a couple in beef stew, then remove them before serving. After they boil, you'll smell 'em! I know some use them in chili and other soups too.

Oh, you meant for chickens? #3. https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/top-50-herbs-for-your-chickens.77443/

No, just in general. Boiled, fresh or otherwise I can't smell or taste them

 

[Debbie292d]

No, just in general. Boiled, fresh or otherwise I can't smell or taste them

Are there other things you can't taste or smell or just bay leaves?

 

[AnneGirlGG]

I use them all the time in stews and homemade stock. I definitely can smell and taste the difference. I get mine from the tree in my mom's yard, several branches at a time. Then I dry them and store them in mason jars. I also put them in sachets with cloves and put the sachets in my cabinets. It repels pests like pantry moths.

And I'm about to go check out the link @Debbie292d left on how they help chickens.

 

[FrostRanger]

Are there other things you can't taste or smell or just bay leaves?

Not that I'm aware of, admittedly I don't have the best sense of smell in the world but I can certainly smell and taste other herbs and spices

 

[azurbanclucker]

https://www.seriouseats.com/ask-the-food-lab-whats-the-point-of-bay-leaves

When I forget them in meals where I normally would use them, I usually discover it when I'm eating and something is missing.

 

[AnneGirlGG]

I wonder if this is anything like the gene that makes cilantro taste like soap for some people? I have that gene, and cilantro is a despised herb. Makes me wonder if there are other genes that affect how or if people can taste other herbs.

 

[LuciferRoo]

I am convinced they add absolutely nothing. They smell and taste like diddley squat. And yes, I have tried fresh bay leaves and even with my face right in them I can smell absolutely nothing

I always put them in my chicken soup and some of the other soups. I know you cannot smell them but my family always used them so I continue that.
I think they do give flavor. My chicken soup is awesome

 

[FrostRanger]

I wonder if this is anything like the gene that makes cilantro taste like soap for some people? I have that gene, and cilantro is a despised herb. Makes me wonder if there are other genes that affect how or if people can taste other herbs.

Very well could be, I know there's also a gene that makes brussel sprouts and the like taste very bitter to the affected. Fortunately I do not have that gene and absolutely love brussel sprouts