This commodity profile was rendered from
knowledge.domain = commodity, key = bay_leaf(GDF v2.1.1, starter profile, 4 sections).Renderer:
commodity_profile_rendererv1.0.0-stock-parity. Source row version:stock_parity_backfill_2026-05-16.
Identity & Botany
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Canonical name | Bay Leaf |
| Scientific name | Laurus nobilis |
| Family / Genus | Lauraceae / Laurus |
| Produce category | Herb |
| Produce subcategory | Aromatic Herb |
| FSMA 204 covered? | No |
| PLU — conventional | 4889 |
| AGROVOC URI | c_869 |
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s01_identity (starter profile). External: FAO AGROVOC.
Varieties
Estimated commercial varieties: 2.
| Variety | Market share | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean Bay | — | Traditional culinary bay; strong eucalyptol aroma. |
| California Bay | — | Umbellularia californica; stronger flavor than true bay. |
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s04_varieties.variety_summaries (starter profile).
Post-Harvest Handling
Temperature
- Chilling injury threshold: 38°F.
- Freezing point: 31°F. Hard limit.
- Handling urgency: 2 / 5.
Ethylene
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Production class | very_low |
| Sensitivity class | low |
| Climacteric? | No |
Agent note: Often sold dried; fresh bay has more delicate flavor but shorter shelf life.
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s07_harvest_post_harvest (starter profile).
Market Intelligence
Pack sizes
- 6 ct clamshell
- 12 ct case
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s09_market_intelligence (starter profile).
Rendered by commodity_profile_renderer v1.0.0-stock-parity on 2026-05-16T00:00:00.000Z.