Since many, many centuries laurel is a very popular plant in Europe, and has many purposes: We use it in the kitchen to spice up delicious stews and sauces, and due to its thick vegetation, the laurel plant is a very popular hedge plant for people who are bored with the ‘usual’ conifers. In addition to these two applications, laurel is also available as a cut green! Want to know more about laurel and its fantastic features and history? Read our product profile on laurel!

ORIGIN

Just like many flowers and plants, laurel originates from the Mediterranean area. Greece, Georgia and Turkey are the ‘birthplace’ of the laurel plant. Laurel can certainly survive the colder European countries, as long as the winter is mild enough. When the plant is happy, it can grow for 100 years.

Although laurel is often used to spice delicious stews or sauces, the plant itself is not edible: it remains hard when boiled or cooked. Best is to remove the leaf after cooking. Moreover, laurel has another additional advantage: it helps with digestion.

MYTHOLOGY

Are you familiar with the Astrix and Obelix comics? When Julius Ceasar is featured in the comic, he was often depicted with the laurel wreath around his head. This is not a random choice: during the ancient Greek and Roman days, laurel was a symbol for victory. For example, the Greek god Apollo is always depicted with a laurel wreath around his head as well. Victors or winners in certain sports, were also given a laurel wreath, to show off their victory. Fun fact: laurel spreads a pleasant, aromatic scent, so it was certainly not bad to walk around with a laurel wreath around your head all day.

In addition, you can find countless laurel wreaths references in architecture and art. The laurel wreath was and is still used in certain rituals and traditions, such as those of universities.

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