You may already be used to slipping a bay leaf into your dishes to give them more flavor. But know that this aromatic herb can also be handy elsewhere in your meals. Some people indeed tuck it into their drawers or cupboards, according to Cronista, a Spanish site.
Why are bay leaves recommended in kitchen drawers?
If this trick exists, it is primarily for one reason: the scent of bay laurel. Dried leaves carry a fairly strong fragrance, particularly due to the volatile compounds they contain. One of them, 1,8-cineole, is among the substances found in the plant’s essential oil. So, by placing this herb in one of your kitchen drawers, you can enjoy its aroma on a daily basis.
Say goodbye to ultra-scented cleaning products that cost too much! Bay laurel can do the job on its own. You simply need to slip a few leaves into the closed space of your choice and let them diffuse their scent. Over time, however, the aroma will fade. You will then have to replace the leaves to continue enjoying their fragrance.
The steps to best arrange your bay leaves in the drawers
And to do this, there is nothing easier. Begin by selecting dry, whole, clean bay leaves. You can then place them directly in the corners of your drawers or in your cupboards. One or several leaves may be enough, depending on the space you wish to perfume.
Before installing them, simply clean the drawer or cupboard in question. It must be clean and completely dry. Then just place the leaves where they will not get in the way. All that remains is to close the drawer and let the bay laurel quietly diffuse its fragrance.
How else can you use bay leaves in your drawers?
If you don’t want to place the leaves directly in your drawers, another option is to slip them into a small fabric sachet. Prefer a material that allows air to pass so that the bay laurel’s fragrance can continue to diffuse. This solution can be practical if you tend to store a lot of things in that part of the kitchen.
The sachet keeps the leaves in the same place and makes it easy to remove them when you clean the cabinet. You can then replace it once the drawer is clean and dry. Again, remember to check the leaves from time to time. When they become damaged or their scent becomes much weaker, it is best to replace them.
