Bay Leaf Tea

This region has a version of this plant with a personality all it’s own. The West Indian bay leaf (Pimenta Racemosa) is much more fragrant and aromatic than its Turkish, Indonesian, Californian, or Indian cousins. Its flavor is intense and highly spiced, with complex notes of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg along with hints of vanilla and cardamom. If you rub the leaves, the distinctive scent will remain on your fingers for hours.
This plant is critical to adding a distinctive flair to Caribbean Food. In Jamaica, it is known as Pimento and is the special boost to Jerk Seasoning. Islands with French heritage call it by another name; Cilliment. Recipes from these islands that use West Indian Bay leaves are for savoury sauces, soups, stews, pastries, fruit preserves and even decadent creamy drinks.
This is the special stuff that this awesome but simple tea explodes out of your teacup. It’s used as an aid to the digestive process. A quick drink of bay leaf tea about 30 minutes before having a meal can reduce bloating and the effects of gas on the digestive system.