The ancient laurel family, mostly large
tropical trees, is most notable for giving us
cinnamon; but it does give us one well-known
herb and three less familiar but interesting
ones. The leaves of various cinnamon species
are also used as herbs in Asia, but are seldom
seen in the West.
Avocado Leaf Mexican races of the avocado
tree (Persea americana) have leaves with a
distinct tarragon aroma, thanks to the same
volatiles that flavor tarragon and anise
(estragole, anethole). More tropical avocado
races (p. 337) lack this aroma. In Mexico,
avocado leaves are dried, then crumbled or
ground to flavor chicken, fish, and bean
dishes.
Bay Laurel
Bay leaves, one of the most useful European
herbs, come from an evergreen tree or shrub
native to the hot Mediterranean, Laurus
nobilis. The medium-sized, tough, dry leaf