Lets get real about bay leaves. Laurus nobilis is the only botanical the FDA recognizes as bay and approves for consumption as a spice. An inferior herb Umbellularia californica, also known as California bay is sometimes sold as bay. Its longer, darker leaves make it seem more appealing than true bay, but California bay has a harsher, more camphor-like flavor. And, one of its key constituents, umbellulone, can induce headaches. Thats just not cool. We authenticate every shipment of our bay to make sure youre getting real Laurus nobilis, the only bay suitable for culinary use. Best Uses: Dont stop at soup and seafood. Infuse its earthy, grounding flavor into your beans, grain dishes, and pasta sauce. Or even a simple pot of rice. Features: - 0.14 oz glass bottle - Hand-select high quality whole dried bay leaf non-irradiated - USDA organic certified and kosher certified - Botanical name: Laurus nobilis