Bay leaves are a little different than our other spices because they are often kept whole and stored whole. So, if you need some help about how to store bay leaves, we have this FAQ to help.
Bay leaves are a popular ingredient in many savory dishes, adding a subtle and complex flavor to sauces, soups, and stews.
But once you’ve brought home a pack of bay leaves, you’ll want to store them properly to ensure they retain their flavor and aroma for as long as possible.
In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to store bay leaves and keep them fresh for your next culinary creation.
For both fresh and dried bay leaves, as long as they are properly stored out of direct sunlight, in a tightly capped or sealed container away from moisture and humidity, fresh bay leaves can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or frozen for up to six months. While dried bay leaves have a shelf life of two to three years, but can also be frozen for several months to retain their potency.
Bay leaves are a versatile addition to any spice cabinet, but on the surface, they don’t appear to offer much scent or flavor.
But they can and do degrade over time, lose their potency, aroma, and ability to add flavor to dishes.
The shelf life of bay leaves is contingent upon several variables, including the manner in which they are kept as well as the particular variety of bay leaves that is used.
If you want the taste and aroma of your bay leaves to last as long as possible, be sure to keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dark area.
Tips on how to tell if fresh bay leaves have gone bad
Knowing when it’s time to toss your bay leaves and get a new batch is crucial for maintaining the quality and taste of your dishes.
Here are a few tips on how to tell if your fresh bay leaves have gone bad:
- Look for the signs. If you see any signs of mold, bruises, splotches, or “notches” (indicating a bug perhaps has been munching on them) or the leaves have changed color or seem soft, don’t use the bay leaf in your recipe and discard it to composting.
- Check the aroma. Fresh bay leaves should have a strong, fragrant aroma. If they no longer have a strong scent, it’s a good indication that they’ve lost their potency. If your bay leaf smells rotten or foul, it’s time to discard it.
- Taste test. If you’re unsure, you can give the leaves a taste. If they taste bland or off, they probably aren’t “bad” per se, but are not strong enough to flavor your dish.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your bay leaves are always fresh and full of flavor, adding the perfect touch to your favorite dishes.
What is the best way to store fresh bay leaves?
Storing fresh bay leaves properly is essential to preserving their flavor and aroma. Here’s the best way to store fresh bay leaves:
- Keep them in an airtight container. This will prevent air and light from affecting the quality of the leaves.
- Store in a cool, dark place. Bay leaves should be kept away from direct sunlight and heat, which can cause them to dry out and lose their flavor more quickly.
- Use a moisture-proof container. To prevent moisture from affecting the leaves, store them in a moisture-proof container, such as a mason jar or a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your fresh bay leaves remain fresh for up to a year, ready to add a rich, herbal flavor to your dishes whenever you need them.
How should I store dried bay leaves?
The best place to store dried bay leaves is in the freezer to help them retain their potency. The second best place to store dried bay leaves is in a tightly sealed zipper baggie or mason jar at the back of your pantry.
Dried bay leaves are always a good thing to have on hand because they make it easy to add their distinctive flavor to a wide range of recipes.
Follow these storage tips to keep your dried bay leaves fresh and flavorful:
- Store in a container that keeps air out. Keeping your dried bay leaves in a container with a tight-fitting lid will protect them from moisture and air, which can cause them to go bad more quickly.
- Store somewhere cool and dry. Dried bay leaves should be kept in a cool, dry place from direct sunlight and heat so they don’t lose their flavor and smell.
- Put a label on the box. Make sure to write the date you bought the bay leaves on the container so you can figure out how long they’ve been in your pantry.
By following these easy steps, you can keep dried bay leaves fresh and full of flavor for up to two years, so you can use them in your cooking for a long time.
Can you freeze bay leaves?
The answer is yes; bay leaves are suitable for freezing.
In fact, according to America’s Test Kitchen, keeping bay leaves in the freezer is a GREAT idea.
They ran a test with bay leaves that had been sealed and frozen for three months, which turned out to add better flavor than their freshly opened package or bay leaves stored in a jar.
The frozen leaves were the real revelation: they put out great, assertive bay flavor and aroma that was nearly as strong as the leaves from the freshly opened jar. So where should you store bay leaves? No doubt about it—the freezer.
(That’s a great article to learn more about the difference between Turkish and California bay leaves, too.)
Guide for freezing fresh bay leaves:
- Pick the leaves clean. The leaves should be rinsed under cold water and then dried off using a gentle patting motion. Allow to dry completely in the open air for an hour.
- Place on a baking sheet or plate in a single layer and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Remove from freezer and quickly transfer to a container that can seal out air, like a zipper bag, mason jar, or vacuum-sealed food storage bag, or Tupperware-type container. Remove as much air as possible.
- Be sure to date and label the container. You should write the date that you froze the leaves on the container so that you will know how much time the leaves have spent in the freezer.
- Use within six months. You also don’t need to worry about them being defrosted; just add them to your recipes as soon as they are removed from the freezer.
Guide for freezing dried bay leaves:
- Since they have already been cleaned and processed, don’t wash them.
- Place on a baking sheet or plate in a single layer and freeze for 30 minutes
- Remove from freezer and quickly transfer the dried bay leaves to an airtight container, like a freezer bag, mason jar, vacuum-sealed food storage bag, or Tupperware. Remove as much air as possible.
- Be sure to date and label the container. You should write the date that you froze the leaves on the container so that you will know how much time the leaves have spent in the freezer.
- Use within six months. You also don’t need to worry about them being defrosted; just add them to your recipes as soon as they are removed from the freezer.
If you follow these easy instructions, you can preserve your bay leaves in the freezer so that you may continue to benefit from their singular taste and perfume far into the future.
Is it okay to store bay leaves in plastic containers?
Yes, it is okay to store bay leaves in plastic containers as long as the container is airtight and moisture-proof. Bay leaves may leave their scent in plastic containers over long periods, however, especially disposable-type plastic.
Here’s why plastic containers are a good choice for storing bay leaves:
- Convenient and lightweight. Plastic containers are lightweight and easy to handle, making them a convenient choice for storing bay leaves.
- Airtight. Plastic containers with tight-fitting lids effectively keep air and moisture away from the bay leaves, preserving their quality.
- Reusable. Plastic containers can be reused, reducing waste and saving you money in the long run.
- Cost-effective. Plastic containers are typically more affordable than other types of containers, making them a cost-effective option for storing bay leaves.
Overall, plastic containers are fine for storing bay leaves as long as they are airtight and moisture-proof.
By using glass, bamboo or other natural materials for your spice containers, however, you can ensure that your bay leaves remain fresh, flavorful, and ready to use in your cooking.
Is it safe to store bay leaves with other spices?
It’s safe, but they can pass their scent and flavor onto nearby spices if not kept securely capped or sealed.
It is best to store them separately.
Bay leaves seem mild when you give them a quick sniff, but over time, they can affect the spices that are near to them.
This is because bay leaves are a very strong herb, and they can overpower the flavor of other spices.
So especially don’t keep them all in the same sealed container or baggie.
Can I store fresh bay leaves in the fridge?
Storing fresh bay leaves in the fridge for two to three weeks is an excellent way to keep them fresh as long as possible.
Fresh bay leaves can be highly fragrant and flavorful, but they can also quickly lose their aroma and taste if not stored properly.
The low temperature and relative humidity of the refrigerator help to preserve the quality of fresh bay leaves, making them an ideal option for those who want to keep their bay leaves in top condition.
Simply wrap the fresh bay leaves in a paper towel or a plastic bag, and place them in the vegetable crisper or another cool, dry area of the fridge.
You can use them as needed in various recipes, from soups and stews to marinades and sauces.
By storing fresh bay leaves in the fridge, you can ensure that they stay fresh, fragrant, and ready to add delicious flavor to your favorite dishes.
Can bay leaves be stored in a pantry?
Storing dry bay leaves in a pantry can be a convenient and effective way to keep them on hand for all your cooking needs.
Bay leaves are a staple ingredient in many cuisines and are used to add depth and flavor to various dishes.
When stored in a pantry, bay leaves can last for several months, allowing you to always have them on hand when needed.
From spice brand McCormick:
… about our McCormick Gourmet™ Organic Turkish Bay Leaves: This product is generally good for 48 months once it leaves our facilities. Please note, though our products do not spoil, their flavor and quality will diminish with time.
The pantry is typically a cool, dry place ideal for storing herbs and spices, and bay leaves are no exception.
Simply place them in an airtight container, such as a jar or tin, keep the lid on tightly, and label it clearly.
Keeping bay leaves in a pantry can also help to keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free, as you can easily see what you have on hand and avoid duplicating purchases.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, storing bay leaves in your pantry is a great way to ensure that you always have this versatile herb at the ready.
How can I keep bay leaves fresh for longer?
Keeping bay leaves fresh for longer requires proper storage and care.
Bay leaves are a flavorful and aromatic herb that can enhance the taste of many dishes, but their potency can quickly fade if not stored properly.
To keep bay leaves fresh, store them in an airtight container, such as a jar or tin, and place the container in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or a kitchen cabinet.
Avoid exposing the bay leaves to heat, light, and moisture, as these conditions can quickly degrade their quality.
If you have fresh bay leaves, wrap them in a paper towel or a plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator, where the low temperature and relative humidity can help to preserve their freshness for up to two weeks.
Consider drying your bay leaves to extend their shelf life.
One way is to simply spread the fresh bay leaves on a baking sheet and place them in a warm, dry area until they are completely dry, which can take up to a week.
Then store the dried bay leaves in an airtight container, and they will be ready to use whenever you need them.
With the right storage and care, bay leaves can be kept fresh for several months, making them a versatile and essential ingredient in your kitchen.
Here’s a simple recipe for Filipino-style Adobo Sauce recipe that uses bay leaf.
The bottom line
Have you ever wondered how long bay leaves can be stored before they lose their flavor and scent and become less useful in the kitchen?
The key to successfully storing bay leaves, whether fresh or dried, is to shield them from excessive heat, light, and moisture while avoiding exposure to air long term.
When storing fresh bay leaves, they should be placed in a paper towel or plastic bag and placed in the refrigerator.
Dried bay leaves, on the other hand, should be placed in an airtight container and stored in a cool, dry spot, such as the pantry or a kitchen cabinet.
You may also increase the shelf life of bay leaves by drying them yourself, which is another alternative.
You can make sure that your bay leaves are always fresh, aromatic, and ready to provide delectable flavor to your favorite recipes by simply appropriately storing them as outlined in this article.