Three different plants are sold under the name bay leaf. Turkish bay leaf is Laurus nobilis, California bay is Umbellularia californica and Indian bay leaf is Cinnamomum tamala. All three belong to the laurel family, but they differ in native region, leaf shape, aroma and use. This guide compares them so you can name the right leaf on an order.

What is the difference between Turkish, California and Indian bay leaves?

They come from three different plants in the laurel family. Turkish bay leaf is Laurus nobilis grown in Türkiye, California bay is Umbellularia californica, and Indian bay leaf is Cinnamomum tamala. Their leaves differ in shape, aroma and use, so the botanical name matters whenever you buy, label or substitute one of them.

Common name	Botanical name	Native region	Leaf	Aroma and use
Turkish bay leaf (true bay)	Laurus nobilis	Mediterranean region and Asia Minor	Thick, tough, glossy dark green, about 5 to 10 cm long	Strong scent. Flavours soups, stews, meat, fish and vegetables.
California bay	Umbellularia californica	Southwest Oregon to southern California	Thick, leathery, about 5 to 13 cm long	Strongly aromatic. Used as a substitute with a much stronger flavour.
Indian bay leaf	Cinnamomum tamala	Himalayan foothills and Northeast India	Evergreen leaf with three prominent veins	Cinnamon and clove notes. Used in biryani, pulao, curries and garam masala.

Which plant is the true bay leaf?

True bay leaves come from Laurus nobilis, a Mediterranean species. Oregon State University notes that leaves of California bay are sometimes used as a substitute and have a much stronger flavour. Turkish bay leaf is Laurus nobilis grown in Türkiye, so it belongs to the true bay group.

Laurus nobilis: the bay laurel, also called sweet bay.
Umbellularia californica: California bay, also called Oregon myrtle.
Cinnamomum tamala: tejpat, sold as Indian bay leaf.

How does the aroma differ?

Laurus nobilis leaves have a strong scent, and a review links their aroma to compounds such as eugenol, methyl eugenol and elemicin. California bay leaves are strongly aromatic and much stronger in flavour. Indian bay leaf has a cinnamon and clove note that the Indian Institute of Spices Research ties to eugenol and cinnamaldehyde.

Turkish bay leaf: strong and characteristic scent.
California bay: stronger, and the leaves may cause sneezing and headaches if inhaled.
Indian bay leaf: warm cinnamon and clove notes.

How are the three leaves used in cooking?

Dried Laurus nobilis flavours soups, stews, meat, fish and vegetable dishes. Indian bay leaf is used whole in biryani, pulao, curries and rice dishes and in spice blends such as garam masala. California bay is mainly a substitute for true bay. Check a recipe for the leaf it names before you swap one for another.

Turkish bay leaf: general European and Mediterranean cooking.
Indian bay leaf: South Asian rice dishes, curries and spice blends.
California bay: a stronger substitute, so use it with care.

How can I tell the leaves apart by sight?

Look at the veins and the shape. Indian bay leaf has three prominent veins running along the leaf. Laurus nobilis often has a wavy edge and a glossy upper surface. California bay leaves are lance shaped with edges that curl slightly under. Ask your supplier to confirm the botanical name in writing.

Laurus nobilis: simple alternate leaves, narrowly elliptic to oval.
California bay: elliptical to lance shaped, shiny dark green above and paler below.
Indian bay leaf: three prominent veins.
When the leaf is cut or ground, sight is less useful, so rely on the botanical name written on the specification.

Which bay leaf should I buy for my product?

Choose by recipe and by the name on your labels, and write the botanical name on the order so that the supplier ships the plant you expect. AgroHoby supplies Turkish bay leaves, Laurus nobilis, from Mersin. Tell us the grade, packaging and quantity you need through our request a quote form for Turkish bay leaves.

Name the plant: common name and botanical name together.
Name the form: whole, cut or ground.
Read more: bay leaf vs laurel leaf and the bay leaf specifications buyers should request.
See the Turkish bay leaves page and the FAQ about Turkish bay leaves.

More buyer guides are listed on our resources page.

Sources

Last updated: October 2026