"Bay leaves are safe to use in cooking but should be removed before consuming the dish because they can be hard and sharp," dietitian Jamie Nadeau, RD, tells USA TODAY.

There is an actual reason behind this. Even after cooking, whole bay leaves will remain hard and sharp; they also cannot be ...

Whole bay leaves work best for dishes with long cook times, such as soups, stews or braises. Be sure to add the leaf early in the process, allowing it time to release its essential oils.

When you pick up a jar from the spice aisle, the leaves are dried and usually whole, but can also be found in fresh or ground preparations. Beyond the kitchen, bay leaves have a storied past in ...

According to my mother-in-law, adding one or two whole bay leaves directly to your dried beans as they cook will make them more tender and flavorful—and support healthy digestion. Bay leaves contain a ...

2. In a medium pot, toast lightly in ghee 3-4 green cardamom pods and the bay leaves with a pinch of salt. 3. Add basmati rice and lightly toast the rice until fragrant. 4. Deglaze pan with 2 tbsp ...

The answer varies, but the most important thing to know is that you shouldn't eat one whole, whether or not it's been cooked. "Bay leaves are safe to use in cooking but should be removed before ...

Is olive oil good for you? The fast nutrition facts on this cooking staple The answer varies, but the most important thing to know is that you shouldn't eat one whole, whether or not it's been cooked.