Why do you have to take the Bay Leaf out of your sauce or soup?!
Why do you have to take the Bay Leaf out of your sauce or soup?
Answers:
It is not pleasant to actually eat. It is only used for flavoring.
It is inedible. And could be a choking hazard
You don't HAVE to take it out, but we just don't eat it, so removing it makes it easier. It adds flavor to saucy dishes, but isn't tasty by itself. When I make spaghetti sauce, I swear I'm always the one who gets the bay leaf. :)
You remove it because: 1. you cannot eat it and 2. it doesn't look all that elegant in your sauce or soup.
They are not to be eaten. When you bit into them they are not that great. So it is easyer to remove it so you do not have to wonder if you will get it in your mouth.
A dried bay leaf adds wonderful flavor, but never softens enough to eat. It's hard and sharp, very unappetizing. Fresh bay leaf does not need to be removed.
It's not a law,,,,but it's not tasty at all, just used to flavor.
Edward is half right, it is a choking hazard, that is why you remove it. However, they do have ground bay leaf which is in a lot of fish based seasonings, so it is actually edible.
Just so you don't eat it. You should never serve anyone anything that isn't edible - including garnish.
I have heard that they are inedible. I have heard if you eat them whole they can stay inside you and cut you in an organ. However I have seen recipes for herbes de provance that had among other things in it, ground bay leaves. So I am now not sure. Sometimes in food I think an idea gets passed around and never questioned.
You dont..................but if you eat a bay leaf (whole) it is quite bitter.
If I am entertaining guests, I take it out. If it's just family, I tell them to deal with it.