Too real

Myth check: are they pointless?
They aren’t a placebo. Their value is often most obvious when they’re missing—certain dishes can taste flatter or less cohesive without them. Since they’re usually inexpensive and last a long time, they’re generally a high-return pantry item.

Storage tips
Keep them airtight, away from heat and light. Fresh bay leaves are more aromatic, but dried bay leaves can stay usable for a long time if stored well. Replacing very old leaves helps maintain potency.

Try a quick test
Make a simple sauce or broth in two small batches—one with bay leaf and one without. Taste side-by-side: the bay leaf version often feels deeper and more “finished,” even if you can’t identify a single “bay leaf flavor.”