Origin: Turkey. Bay leaves, one of the most useful European herbs, come from an evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean 'Laurus nobilis.' The leaf accumulates oils in spherical glands in the leaf interior & has a well-rounded mixture of woody, floral, eucalyptus & clove notes. In ancient times, the branches of the Bay Laurel were made into fragrant crowns worn by noblemen. Today, the leaves are an important ingredient in countless savoury dishes & they are reputed to repel moths