Bay?leaf, also called laurel leaf, leaf of the sweet?bay?tree, indigenous to countries bordering the Mediterranean. ...?Bay?has been cultivated from ancient times; its?leaves?constituted the wreaths of laurel that crowned victorious athletes in ancient Greece. they offer a woodsy, herbal and slightly floral aroma reminiscent of rosemary, pine, and citrus. Fresh or dried?bay leaves?are?used?in cooking for their distinctive flavor and fragrance. They provide anti-oxidants, vitamins A and C, folic acid, copper, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, selenium, zinc, and magnesium.