SCIENTIFIC NAME :: Laurus nobilis
FAMILY:: Lauraceae
DESCRIPTION:: Evergreen, perennial
TRUNK:This can vary from a small bush to a big tree, even more than 10 meters high. The bark is relatively smooth.
FOLIAGE:This is thick and tough, oval shaped approx 10 centimeters long and of a shiny dark colour. On the top the leaves are of a light green and darker green colour on the under side, with an ondulated edge. The leaves have a strong spiced smell.
FLOWERS:Small, and of a greenish yellow colour, flowering from March to April.
FRUITS:Small, shiny black berries, the size of a cherry, having only one seed, ripening from October to November.
HABITAT:: The Laurel is a wild evergreen plant in the Mediterranean. The roots are resistant to winter but the leaves die in cold weather. It is cultivated everywhere as an ornamental plant and used as a hedge, due to its resistence when trimmed.
CULTIVATION:: REPRODUCTION:Cuttings of 10 centimeters are taken in the late summer and placed in a veery humid and heated area. The cuttings once established are replanted, 120 centimeters apart, protected from the cold. They can also be grown in a pot, but under -15° c should be placed inside.
GROWTH: The plant likes a sunny place protected from the wind, in a rich and well-drained soll.
HARVEST: Hte leaves can be picked all year round, but the best are taken between July and August. The fruits is harvested in October or November.
STORAGE:Aromatic, aperitive, digestive, stimulant, slightly antiseptic. Take note that all the Laurel are poisonous, except for the one used in cooking.
USAGE:: The leaves are dried in a shaded, well-ventilated place and protected from dust and humidity. The fruit is dried in a protected place or in a moderate oven. The leaves and fruit are placed in a sealed jar.
CULINARY USAGE : Laurel is used in good "cuisine". Its aroma stimulates the appetite and helps digestion, and is indispensable in stews, soups and sauces. It can also be added to marinades, cool, potato soup, paté stuffings, venison and other boiled fish. Remove the leaves before serving.
BEAUTY : The fresh decoction added to a bath relieves aching joints.
HEALTH: Recommended as an aperitive and digestive, also against coughs and bronchitis. Externally used as a cream, and the oil of the berries is used for rheumatism and bruising.
MYTHS AND LEGENDS :: Laurel has been known since ancient times. In Greece and Rome it was a symbol of peace and victory in military and sporting activities. That is why Laurel is also called Lauro Nobili. In Ancient Greece, Laurel was consecrated to Apollo, God of Music and Poetry, as well as the Oracle of Delfi and is the reason for which the first of the six temples were decorated with Laurel frescos. It is sald that the Priestess of the Oracle fell into a trance after inhaling the smoke of the burning Laurel leaves. A large amount of the plant can cause hypnotic trances. Laurel was a sacred plant of Ascepio, sun of Apollo, God of Medicine. For centuries, the plant has been used against many diseases, especially the plague. Even today Laurel is hung in houses to refresh the air, and also used to protect flour and dried figs against harmful insects.