Bay leaves come from several plants, such as: Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis, Lauraceae). Fresh or dried bay leaves are used in cooking for their distinctive flavor and fragrance. The leaves are often used to flavour soups, stews, braises and pâtés in many countries. Bay leaves are a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. If eaten whole, bay leaves (Laurus nobilis) are pungent and have a sharp, bitter taste. Bay leaf, also called laurel leaf, leaf of the sweet bay tree, Laurus nobilis, an evergreen of the family Lauraceae, indigenous to countries bordering the Mediterranean.Â