Bay leaves or tej patta are a staple in Indian kitchens. Whether making aromatic biryani, flavourful dal or flavourful curries, bay leaves add that subtle spicy touch that brings dishes alive. Though bay leaves are available fresh, it is usually used in the dried form while cooking. But what do you do when your bay leaves start looking old and lose their distinctive fragrance? Well, don’t throw them away! You can use them in a variety of ways in and around the kitchen. Are you curious? Read on to know how you can use old bay leaves at home.
Also read: DIY Chai Masala: Prepare Masala Chai Pre-Mix At Home With These Kitchen Spices
How to know if your bay leaves have lost their appeal?
You can easily tell if your bay leaves have gone bad or old. Fresh bay leaves are green in color and have a strong fragrance. Over time, they lose their bright color and turn olive or brown. Also, their fragrance fades. Another way to tell is to break the bay leaves. If they break or crumble easily, it’s time to buy some new bay leaves for cooking.
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Here are 5 ways to use old bay leaves at home:
1. Add to cooking oil
Yes! You can still use your bay leaves in cooking, but not in the way you might want to. Add a few bay leaves to your bottle of cooking oil and let it sit for a few days. The leaves will release a mild flavour into the oil, which you can use in your curries, gravies, salads and biryanis.
2. Potpourri
Imagine: you enter your home and a gentle, calming aroma hits your face. Well, you can do just that using your pile of old bay leaves. All you need to do is mix old bay leaves with dried flower petals, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Add a few drops of essential oils to the mixture to enhance the fragrance of the potpourri. Pour it into a decorative bowl or small bag. And voila! This potpourri will keep your room and kitchen smelling fresh and fragrant.
3. Bay leaf tea
Are you having an upset stomach or have you been feeling stressed lately? Bay leaf tea can cure your problem! In fact, even old bay leaves can be used to make this relaxing tea. Boil 2-3 bay leaves in two cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain the tea and pour it into a cup and add a little honey to it. You can also add a little lemon juice for extra flavor. This bay leaf tea can be a great drink to end your long day.
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4. Spice mix for home fragrance
Have you run out of home fresheners and have some guests coming over? So now is the time to use your old bay leaves. You can make a natural home freshener using this spice. To make it, use old bay leaves along with cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange peels, lemon peels, and some star anise. Add these ingredients to a pot of water and let it boil on low flame. Boiling on low flame will release a warm, spicy fragrance that can make the atmosphere of your home cozy and warm.
5. Natural insect repellent
If you are struggling with pests in your kitchen and home, use bay leaves to keep them away. Place old bay leaves in your cupboards, kitchen shelves and under the sink to keep cockroaches, ants and other insects away. Crush the leaves a little before placing them in a bowl to release more natural oils. This will make a natural and eco-friendly pest repellent for your home.
Also read: Bay Leaf Benefits: 6 Reasons Why You Should Add It To Your Recipes!
Can you think of any other ways to use old bay leaves at home? Let us know in the comments below!