Bay is the leaf of an evergreen tree, native to the Mediterranean region. The spice is also known variously as 'Sweet bay', 'Bay laurel', 'Noble laurel' and 'True laurel'. In the olden days, wreaths of bay leaves were worn by conquerors and poets, of heroic or poetic fame. Today, bayleaf is one of the most sought- after culinary spices for flavouring soups, casseroles, stews, fish, fish sauces, meat, poultry, puddings and marinades. It is an essential ingredient of Bouquet garni. Bay oil is popular in a variety of liquors. In India, bay is grown in a relatively small scale in homestead gardens.