Dehydrating Bay Leaves

I’ve been wanting bay leaves for some recipes that I’ve been saving. When I found a small box at the store I had to buy them. I only needed two leaves. I thought by dehydrating bay leaves it would keep the rest ready to use for future recipes.

A Few Facts

Bay leaves were originally found in the Mediterranean region. In ancient times the leaves were used to detoxify the body. It is thought that it helps regulate the blood sugar by improving the insulin receptor with T2 Diabetes. The enzymes found in bay leaves aid in digestion and alleviate respiratory problems. Some people burn the leaves as a way to relieve stress.

This herb is the only herb I know that you add a whole leaf while cooking and then remove it before serving.

Bay leaves are toxic to cats and dogs. Many people use them to keep beetles, weevils, moths, cockroaches, ants, and flies out of their grains like flour, oatmeal, rice and other dried goods. I thought I would try this out.

I found this to be a very interest herb. Who knew they packed such a punch!

Ready to dehydrate

Store bought herbs. This package is around 1/2 cup.

This is what fresh bay leaves look like.

Washing the bay leaves. Then allow them to drain before loading them on the tray.

My dehydrator is a NESCO FD-60 Snack Master Express Food. I can use up to 12 trays.

Set dehydrator to 110 degrees. It takes 6-10 hours to dry.

The leaves will mostly look like fresh leaves except for the curling on the edges and the lack of moisture to the touch.

I seal my herbs in 1/2 pint mason jars. It is easy to vacuum seal the herb for freshness.

I use a Seal a Meal vacuum sealer with the Food Saver vacuum lid regular and wide mouth accessory.

I cold pasteurize by freezing my dehydrated products in the freezer for 48 hours. Cold pasteurizing kills most bacteria but not all. After two weeks I label the jar and put it on the shelf to use in my next recipe.

What do you use your bay leaves for?