Spice guide / Indian bay leaf
What is Indian bay leaf?
Tejpatta — cassia-family leaf, not Mediterranean Laurus nobilis.
Short answer: Indian bay leaf (Hindi: तेजपत्ता) is Cinnamomum tamala. Cinnamon-clove, woody. Culinary use only — not a medicine.
| Common name | Indian bay leaf |
|---|---|
| Hindi | तेजपत्ता |
| Sanskrit | — |
| Botanical name | Cinnamomum tamala |
| Family | Lauraceae |
| Origin | India — Himalayan foothills |
| Main producing regions | Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Northeast India |
| Flavour | Cinnamon-clove, woody |
| Aroma | — |
| Forms | leaves, whole |
| Retail packs | 100g–5kg (typical; see products) |
| Bulk | 10kg+ |
What is Indian bay leaf?
Indian bay leaf (Cinnamomum tamala) is used in biryani and gravies. Mediterranean bay (Laurus nobilis) is a different species.
History of Indian bay leaf
Origin
India — Himalayan foothills
Growing regions
Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Northeast India
How it is grown
Harvest
Processing
Grades
- Standard: Admin-configured commercial grade
- Premium: Admin-configured higher visual/purity selection
- Export Grade: Only show when export specifications exist for the lot
- Machine Cleaned: Machine cleaned — confirm process for the lot
Only grades that apply to a lot should be shown at purchase. These are templates, not invented industry certificates.
Flavour, aroma and colour
Cinnamon-clove, woody. . Colour: . Heat: none.
Whole vs ground
Indian bay leaf is usually used whole. Toast briefly in dry pan or hot fat, then leave whole in the dish or grind. Do not confuse toasting with burning — bitter notes mean it went too far.
Culinary uses
- Biryani
- Curry
- Pulao
Traditional uses
Recorded in culinary tradition. Traditional use is not scientific evidence of a medical effect.
SpicyCenter does not claim that spices cure, treat or prevent disease.
Storage and shelf life
Nutrition
Indian bay leaf is a culinary seasoning. Nutrition values are pack-specific and must match the label for UK/EU sale. We do not claim that this spice treats, cures or prevents disease.
Buying guide
Tell us the quantity you need, from 100 gm to 1 metric ton. Prices are not published on this website. Availability is confirmed on the enquiry.
