Bay Leaf (Tej Patta)

General Description

Product Name Bay Leaf
Botanical Name Laurus nobilis (European bay leaf) / Cinnamomum tamala (Indian bay leaf)
Common Name Tej Patta, Sweet Bay, Laurel Leaf
Form Whole Leaves / Crushed / Powder
Type Dried Leaf, Food Grade Spice
Origin India (Himalayan Region, North-East), Turkey, Georgia, Indonesia

Bay Leaves are the aromatic dried leaves of the bay laurel tree, used to flavor a wide range of savory dishes including soups, stews, curries, and biryanis. The Indian bay leaf (Cinnamomum tamala) has a more cinnamon-like flavor, while the European variant (Laurus nobilis) has a mild herbal aroma.

Varieties & Grades

Type Description
Indian Bay Leaf Broad, olive green leaves, cinnamon-like aroma
European Bay Leaf Narrower, darker green leaves, herbal taste
Whole Leaves Intact, unbroken, uniform size and color
Broken/Crushed Fragments or smaller pieces for processing
Bay Leaf Powder Ground to fine consistency for blending

Grading Parameters (Whole Leaves)

Grade Description
Grade A Clean, large size (10–12 cm), intact leaves
Grade B Medium size, slight discoloration allowed
Grade C Mixed sizes, broken edges, minor blemishes

Physical & Chemical Specifications

Parameter Specification
Color Light olive to dark green (varies by origin)
Aroma Strong, herbal, slightly floral
Taste Bitter, spicy when raw; pleasant when cooked
Moisture Content Max 12%
Volatile Oil Content Min 1.5%
Total Ash Max 6.0%
Acid Insoluble Ash Max 1.5%
Foreign Matter Max 1%
Broken Leaves Max 5% (Grade A), up to 10% (Grade B/C)

Microbiological Parameters

Parameter Specification
Total Plate Count < 50,000 cfu/g
Yeast & Mould < 100 cfu/g
E. coli Absen
Salmonella Absent in 25g sample
Aflatoxins (B1+B2+G1+G2) < 10 ppb

Packaging & Labeling:

  • Retail Packaging Sizes: 25g, 50g, 100g, 200g, 500g, 1kg
  • Bulk Packaging Sizes: 5kg, 10kg, 25kg, 50kg
  • Packaging Types:
    • LDPE/poly pouches (retail)
    • Jute/Paper/PP woven bags with liner (bulk)
    • PET jars, Zip-lock pouches (premium packaging)
  • Labeling Includes:
    • Product name, botanical name, net weight, batch number, MRP, packaging date, expiry date, origin, FSSAI license, barcode

Certifications & Compliance

  • FSSAI Licensed
  • ISO 22000 / HACCP / GMP Certified
  • Halal & Kosher Certified (on request)
  • Spice Board of India Graded & Approved
  • EU/US FDA Compliant (for export)
  • Tested for Pesticide Residue, Aflatoxins & Heavy Metals

Bay Leaf is a classic culinary spice that offers aromatic depth, natural health benefits, and versatile applications. Whether used in whole, broken, or powdered form, bay leaves are essential in the spice, food processing, and herbal product industries. Carefully dried, graded, and packaged, they meet global market demands for quality and safety.

LIST OF SPICES (Masale)