The bay laurel tree has been cultivated since the beginning of recorded history.[3] The bay leaf originated in Asia Minor, and spread to the Mediterranean and other countries with suitable climates. Bay leaf is not grown in Northern regions, as the plants do not thrive in cold climates. Turkey is one of the main exporters of bay leaves, although they are also grown in areas of France, Belgium, Italy, Russia, Colombia, Central America, North America, and India.[1] The laurel tree from which the bay leaf comes was very important both symbolically and literally in both Greece and Rome. The laurel can be found as a central component found in many ancient mythologies that glorify the tree as a symbol of honor.[4] Bay leaves are one of the most widely used culinary herbs in Europe and North America. In the Elizabethan era, some people believed that pinning bay leaves to one's pillow on the eve of Saint Valentines day would permit one to see one's future spouse in a dream.
Some members of the laurel family, as well as the unrelated, but visually similar mountain laurel and cherry laurel, have leaves that are poisonous to humans and livestock. While these plants are not sold anywhere for culinary use, their visual similarity to bay leaves has led to the oft-repeated belief bay leaves should be removed from food after cooking because they are poisonous. This is not true - bay leaves may be eaten without toxic effect. However, they remain very stiff even after thorough cooking, and if swallowed whole or in large pieces, they may pose a risk of scratching the digestive tract or even causing choking. Thus, most recipes that use bay leaves will recommend their removal after the cooking process has finished.[6]
Gardeners in frost-free or light frost areas will find that bay laurel seedlings planted in the ground easily grow into large trees, 38r feet (12o m) and taller; but when kept pruned, it can thrive as a small bush. Bay laurel can also be grown in containers, the size of which limits the ultimate size of the trees. New plants are often started via layering, or from cuttings, since growing from seed can be difficult.
Duke Energy Morro Bay LLC proposes to modernize the (MW) Morro Bay Power Plant. The modernization project is located at the existing 1,002-megawatt (MW) Morro Bay Power Plant site that is owned and operated by Duke Energy. The old plant would be replaced by a proposed 1,200 MW facility, for a net increase of 198 MW. This site is located within the City of Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo County, near Morro Bay Harbor, bordered on the west by Embarcadero Road and on the east by Highway 1.
