In addition to plants that provide an aesthetic touch, either due to their leaves or flowers, it is an excellent idea to cultivate some species that will be very useful due to their qualities. The properties and benefits of laurel make it one of the most recommended. It is good for digestion, to improve the health of the respiratory and circulatory systems, it has bactericidal and antioxidant qualities and is a mild diuretic. These are just some of its advantages.
Among the most outstanding nutritional values of the laurel are its zinc, magnesium, iron and calcium content. Therefore, if all this has been enough to convince you about investing in this plant, it is important to know that taking care of it and maintaining it will be an easy task thanks to its low requirements. Without a doubt, it will be worth it thanks to the applications that can be given to the leaves that are collected.
The first thing to keep in mind about the laurel is that it is a perennial plant, so it will be possible to use its leaves throughout the year. Although there are different types, the Laurus nobilis variety is the most common, especially if you want to use it for cooking and preparing culinary recipes.
Laurel can be grown both outdoors and indoors in a pot. In the first case, these plants resist cold well, but not temperatures lower than -5ºC. Nor will it be recommended in a soil that easily floods, a high drainage capacity in the substrate will be key for it to succeed. The same happens in a pot.
Space is also another factor to take into account, since the laurel plant will eventually grow a small tree. Its growth is slow, but if pruning is not planned, it is best to grow it in the garden.
Bay leaves must be dried before being used. That is why it is important to collect them when they have recently fallen from the tree, so they will still retain their essential oils. They can be placed on paper, without touching each other, in a dry, ventilated and warm room. After two weeks of rest, the leaves should have turned a dark green color. If this is not the case, it will be allowed another week until they are completely dry and can be stored, preferably in a glass jar.
Once ready, the bay leaves are excellent in the kitchen, since with them you can get better flavors in soups, stews or different kinds of stews. They can even be used to create insect repellents. A function that the plant itself will also fulfill.
