Bay leaves
Bay Leaves (Laurel Leaves) — Laurus nobilis
Product Overview
Item | Detail |
Product name | Bay leaves / Laurel leaves |
Botanical name | Laurus nobilis L. (Lauraceae) |
Origin | China — Yulin Int'l Spice Market (Guangxi); also imported (Turkey, Vietnam, Egypt) |
Part used | Dried whole or ground leaf |
Appearance | Green to olive-brown dried leaf; characteristic aromatic, slightly bitter flavour |
Main use | Culinary spice — soups, braising , stewing, sauces; food flavouring |
Shelf life | 12–24 months (cool, dry, away from sunlight) |
Parameter | T/CFNA 6104-2021 | T/CFNA 6104-2022 | ISO 6576 / GB/T 30387-2013 |
Moisture | ≤ 8% | ≤ 14% | Per standard |
Total ash (dry) | ≤ 7% | ≤ 10% | Per standard |
Acid-insoluble ash | — | ≤ 5% | — |
Volatile oil (dry) | — | ≥ 1 mL/100 g | Per standard |
Export grades (hand-sorting, by colour & breakage):
Grade | Description |
Hand-selected | Predominantly green, high whole-leaf share, low broken/foreign matter → premium retail |
Semi-selected | Partly sorted, some yellowed/broken tolerated → foodservice, blends |
Natural / unselected | Machine-cleaned only, more yellowed/broken/stalk → extraction |
Packing Standards:
Packing | Spec | Notes |
PP / woven bags | 10 / 20 / 25 / 50 kg | Food-grade, moisture protection |
Kraft paper bags | 10 / 20 / 25 kg | Multi-layer, PE-lined |
Cartons | 20 kg/carton (5 / 10 / 25 kg options) | Inner bag + carton |
Pressed bales | Bulk | Saves volume for export |
Retail pouches | 50 / 100 / 250 / 500 g | Sealed |
Container Loading (Estimated):
Container | Approx. load | Note |
20ft (20GP) | 4–8 MT | Bay leaf is voluminous & light ; actual by stow check |
40ft (40GP) | 9–15 MT | Estimated |
Storage & transport: keep away from light, moisture and direct sunlight; store off floor/off wall in a ventilated warehouse; light handling to avoid breakage; protect from rain; never mix with toxic, odoriferous or contaminated goods.