Is Swamp Bay Edible? Identification, Edibility, and Lookalikes
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4 min read
While most people are familiar with the bay leaves found in the grocery store, a native North American species has its own fragrant appeal. But is swamp bay edible, and can it be used as a cooking substitute? The leaves of the swamp bay (Persea palustris) are indeed aromatic and have been historically used for both culinary and medicinal purposes, but its toxic fruits and several poisonous lookalikes require careful identification.
