What is the difference between Black Sea bay leaf and Mediterranean bay leaf?

Black Sea bay leaf grows along the Alaçam–Samsun coast under 900–1100 mm of annual rainfall and a cool summer climate. These conditions yield roughly 1.8–2.4 % essential oil in the leaf — above the Mediterranean typical 1.2–1.5 % range. 1,8-cineole content is also noticeably higher, which is the defining marker for aromatic profile and commercial grading.

When and how is Alaçam bay leaf harvested?

Harvest runs from early April through late June, the window in which essential oil content peaks. Branches are taken via a prune-and-harvest method and dried in our facility at a maximum of 35 °C with natural air circulation. The low-temperature profile preserves both the volatile oils and the leaf colour.

Can Black Sea bay leaf be supplied with organic certification?

Most Alaçam bay trees grow in natural forests or orchards worked without synthetic inputs. In addition to our ISO 22000 Food Safety certificate, USDA Organic, EU Organic (Reg. 2018/848), Kosher and Halal documentation can be arranged on buyer request. The formal organic conversion period in the region is 24 months.

Guide9 min read

What Is Black Sea Bay Leaf? Properties, Benefits and Uses of Alaçam Laurel

Botanical origin of Alaçam and Black Sea bay leaf, the microclimate that sets Laurus nobilis from this region apart, quality markers, culinary and industrial uses, and its export profile. A comprehensive guide from a 32-year producer.

Published: February 10, 2026Updated: April 22, 2026

What Is Black Sea Bay Leaf? Properties, Benefits and Uses of Alaçam Laurel

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Black Sea bay leaf and Mediterranean bay leaf?: Black Sea bay leaf grows along the Alaçam–Samsun coast under 900–1100 mm of annual rainfall and a cool summer climate. These conditions yield roughly 1.8–2.4 % essential oil in the leaf — above the Mediterranean typical 1.2–1.5 % range. 1,8-cineole content is also noticeably higher, which is the defining marker for aromatic profile and commercial grading.
When and how is Alaçam bay leaf harvested?: Harvest runs from early April through late June, the window in which essential oil content peaks. Branches are taken via a prune-and-harvest method and dried in our facility at a maximum of 35 °C with natural air circulation. The low-temperature profile preserves both the volatile oils and the leaf colour.
Can Black Sea bay leaf be supplied with organic certification?: Most Alaçam bay trees grow in natural forests or orchards worked without synthetic inputs. In addition to our ISO 22000 Food Safety certificate, USDA Organic, EU Organic (Reg. 2018/848), Kosher and Halal documentation can be arranged on buyer request. The formal organic conversion period in the region is 24 months.

Contact us for wholesale bay leaf inquiries

Get in touch for orders, quotes and wholesale enquiries. Our Samsun Alaçam and İzmir Torbalı teams serve you in 5 languages — phone, email and the contact form are all open.

Contact

All articles