Herb

Stem

Bay stem is the stalk that supports leaves and flowers—tender young stems can be chopped into sauces and salads, while older woody stems flavour stocks and infusions then get strained out. Strip leaves if using stems alone, peel strings on tough stalks, and add hard pieces early to simmering liquids. Tender stems go in late so they stay bright. Season lightly so bay aroma stays clear Even lengths cook more evenly in the pan or steamer.

Track this ingredient

Quantity

Unit

Kg Liters Whole

Note

Cuts & parts

Tender Stem

Woody Stem

Characteristics

Preparations

Cooked BrieflyDriedFreshInfused

Traits

AromaticAromatic Herb PartFresh Or DriedHerbalPotent

Nutrition

Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g edible portion

Calories 40.8

Amount per 100 g

Total Fat 0.82 g
Saturated Fat 0.19 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.09 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.39 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 24.8 mg
Salt 0.05 g
Total Carbohydrate 7.21 g
Dietary Fibre 4.04 g
Total Sugars 0.94 g
Complex / starch 1.03 g
Protein 2.86 g
Water 81.4 g

Detailed nutrients

Energy 40.8 kcal
Water 81.4 g
Carbohydrates 7.21 g
- Sugars 0.94 g
- Starch 1.03 g
- Fibre 4.04 g
Protein 2.86 g
Fat 0.82 g
- Saturated Fat 0.19 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 0.09 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 0.39 g
  - Omega-3 0.04 g
Vitamins 351 mg
- Vitamin A 15 µg
- Vitamin B1 — Thiamine 0.08 mg
- Vitamin B2 — Riboflavin 0.14 mg
- Vitamin B3 — Niacin 0.93 mg
- Vitamin B5 — Pantothenic Acid 0.37 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.18 mg
- Vitamin B7 — Biotin 1.8 µg
- Vitamin B9 — Folate 71.1 µg
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Vitamin E 1.74 mg
- Vitamin K 258 µg
Minerals 340 mg
- Major Minerals 339 mg
  - Calcium 42 mg
  - Sodium 24.8 mg
  - Potassium 272 mg
- Trace Minerals 1.5 mg
  - Iron 1.5 mg
Salt 0.05 g

Vitamins

vitamin-c: 2 · vitamin-a: 15 · vitamin-b1-thiamine: 0.08 · vitamin-b2-riboflavin: 0.14 · vitamin-b3-niacin: 0.93 · vitamin-b5-pantothenic-acid: 0.37 · vitamin-b6: 0.18 · vitamin-b7-biotin: 1.8 · vitamin-b9-folate: 71.1 · vitamin-e: 1.74 · vitamin-k: 257.9 ·

Minerals

Sodium: 24.75 · Potassium: 272 · Calcium: 42 · Iron: 1.5 ·

Stem of Bay: composition reflects this culinary part relative to the whole ingredient.

History

3000 BCE

Herbalists and cooks long used bay stems for candying, infusions and broth bases alongside the leaves.

1700

Market bunches of bay made stem-and-leaf packs the default home form before stripped leaves became common.

2010

Chefs began specifying tender bay stems versus woody trimmings for consistent sauce and stock work.