From Harvest to Export: The Journey of Turkish Bay Leaves

Bay leaves, known botanically as Laurus nobilis, are one of the most treasured herbs in the Mediterranean basin. Turkey, with its ideal climate and centuries-old traditions, remains the leading exporter of these aromatic leaves. But before these leaves reach kitchens and factories worldwide, they embark on a meticulous journey — one that blends agricultural wisdom, industrial precision, and strict quality control.

Cultivation: Where Nature Meets Heritage

Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean regions — particularly areas like Denizli, Mersin, and Muğla — provide the perfect conditions for Laurus nobilis. These evergreen trees flourish in well-drained soils under full sunlight, producing leaves rich in essential oils and aromatic compounds.

Farmers typically collect mature leaves during late summer and early autumn, when the oil content peaks. Each region’s microclimate affects aroma intensity, leaf thickness, and volatile oil percentage — all critical parameters that define quality grades in global trade.

Sustainable Harvesting Practices

Modern exporters are moving toward sustainable sourcing, ensuring trees are not overharvested. Only mature leaves are handpicked, allowing the laurel trees to regenerate naturally. This approach aligns with international sustainability goals and helps Turkish bay leaves maintain their position as a “green export product” under FAO guidelines.

Drying and Sorting: Preserving Aroma and Color

After collection, leaves undergo natural shade drying — a crucial step that preserves chlorophyll and prevents discoloration. Sun-drying is avoided because it can degrade essential oil content and alter the aroma profile.

Once dried, bay leaves are sorted into quality grades such as:

• Hand-Selected: Intact, bright green leaves with uniform size

• Semi-Selected: Partially broken or slightly discolored leaves

• Machine-Sorted: Industrial-grade, suitable for powder or extract production

Quality Indicators

The most valued export-grade bay leaves typically feature:

• Moisture content: below 11%

• Volatile oil content (VO%): 1.3–3.0%

• Minimal foreign matter (≤0.5%)

• Natural green hue with a clean fragrance

These factors are verified through laboratory tests before packaging.

Packaging and Quality Control

Before export, bay leaves pass through several quality checkpoints including phytosanitary inspection, fumigation, and metal detection.Packaging depends on destination requirements and buyer specifications:

• 25–50 kg pressed bales for bulk buyers

• 10–20 kg cartons for industrial use

• Retail-ready packs for consumer markets

Each shipment is accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate, Certificate of Origin, and Non-GMO Declaration, meeting EU and FDA import standards.

Preventing Aroma Loss During Transit

High humidity and temperature fluctuations during transit can compromise quality. To prevent this, exporters use silica gel desiccants and double-layer polyethylene linings inside containers. This ensures the leaves retain their signature aroma even on long sea voyages.

Global Distribution and Market Trends

Turkish bay leaves dominate exports to Europe, North America, and Asia — particularly to Germany, the U.S., and China. The total annual export volume exceeds 15,000 tons, with Turkey accounting for over 85% of global trade.

Buyers increasingly prefer traceable and residue-free products. As a result, exporters like Tuna Spice emphasize batch-level traceability, ISO 22000-certified facilities, and pesticide-compliant sourcing.

Emerging Markets and Applications

Beyond the food sector, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries are driving new demand. Bay leaf extracts and essential oils are being used in antiseptic formulations, hair tonics, and aromatherapy blends — extending the product’s lifecycle far beyond traditional cooking.

The Legacy of Turkish Bay Leaves

From mountain harvesters to international buyers, every hand that touches a bay leaf contributes to its enduring legacy. The journey from forest to freight is not just a supply chain — it’s a reflection of Turkey’s deep-rooted connection to nature, trade, and culinary culture.

At Tuna Spice, we honor this tradition through our commitment to consistent quality, sustainable sourcing, and transparent export practices — ensuring every shipment of Turkish bay leaves carries the authentic aroma of the Mediterranean.