Even though most of us are familiar with the dried Indian bay leaf with three vertical lines running from the stem region to the tip of the leaf, there are five more varieties of bay leaves. In India only two out of these six varieties can be found; the Indian Bay leaf or Tej Patta and the Bay Laurel from Turkey. 

Bay Leaves have a very distinct flavor and fragrance that can spice up recipes. The Indian Bay Leaf is also an integral part of the divine Masala Chai.