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.
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
Nutrition declaration is pack-specific and must be completed before UK/EU sale.
Buying guide
Retail packs typically run from 100g to 5kg. Bulk starts at 10kg. Selling prices are checkout prices. Indian market figures, when present, are indicative only.
