Bay Leaf - Tej Patta (Cinnamomum tamala)

Premium Indian Bay Leaf from Himalayan regions sourced by experienced indian spice traders and bulk spice suppliers with high cinnamaldehyde content (5-15%). GI Tagged Uttarakhand variety and Kerala origin available. Steam sterilized for export with complete quality documentation by trusted spice merchant partners offering bulk spices.

Export Quality Bay Leaf from India's Premier Growing Regions - Trusted Indian Spice Trader & Bulk Supplier

As a leading indian spice trader and bulk spice supplier, we source Indian Bay Leaf (Cinnamomum tamala) representing one of India's most significant aromatic spice exports, with Uttarakhand Tej Patta receiving prestigious GI (Geographical Indication) status in 2016. Our merchant export model ensures competitive pricing while serving international spice manufacturers, spice wholesalers, and bulk spice importers. Our bay leaves are sourced from the pristine Himalayan valleys at altitudes of 500-2400m and Kerala's Western Ghats, ensuring superior cinnamaldehyde content and distinctive cassia-cinnamon aroma that differentiates them from Mediterranean bay leaves (Laurus nobilis) through our spice exporter network.

With India exporting over 3,330 shipments annually to major markets including USA, Singapore, and UK, our role as trusted spice traders and bulk spice suppliers ensures competitive pricing while maintaining premium quality through our network of certified suppliers. Our bay leaves undergo traditional sun-drying followed by steam sterilization to meet international food safety standards. As a professional spice manufacturer partner, we serve bulk indian spices requirements for spice wholesaler clients through our established merchant export channels, enabling us to fulfill orders from 500kg to container loads of 20+ metric tons for food manufacturers, spice traders, and pharmaceutical companies worldwide through reliable spice suppliers.

Basic Information
Common Name:Bay Leaf, Tej Patta
Botanical Name:Cinnamomum tamala
Family:Lauraceae (Laurel Family)
Origin:Uttarakhand Himalayas, Kerala, India
Harvest Season:Year-round (Peak: Oct-Mar)
Part Used:Dried leaves
Shelf Life:24 months from processing
Multi-Language Names
Hindi:तेजपत्ता (Tej Patta)
Bengali:তেজপাতা (Tejpata)
Tamil:பிரியாணி இலை (Biryani Ilai)
Malayalam:എടനയില (Edanayila)
Kannada:ದಾಲ್ಚಿನ್ನಿ ಎಲೆ (Tamala Ele)
Gujarati:તેજ પત્તા (Tej Patta)
Marathi:तमालपत्र (Tamal Patra)

Why Choose Our Bay Leaf - Trusted Indian Spice Trader & Bulk Supplier

As a leading indian spice trader and bulk spice supplier, we offer comprehensive solutions for international spice manufacturers, spice wholesalers, and bulk spice importers. Our merchant export model ensures competitive pricing, consistent quality, and reliable supply chains for bay leaf sourcing from India's premier growing regions.

Trusted Spice Merchant

Established relationships with certified growers across Uttarakhand's Himalayan valleys and Kerala's Western Ghats, ensuring authentic bulk indian spices at competitive wholesale rates. Our spice trader network provides direct access to GI-tagged Tej Patta with high cinnamaldehyde content.

Bulk Spice Specialists

Custom packaging and bulk quantities from 500kg to container loads, serving international spice suppliers and bulk spice importers worldwide. Professional spice exporter services with complete documentation and quality assurance for global markets.

Quality Assured Export

FSSAI, ISO 22000, and GI certifications ensure our bay leaves meet international standards. Spice manufacturers and indian spice suppliers trust our quality control processes for consistent cinnamaldehyde content and authentic aroma.

Global Bulk Distribution

Efficient logistics network serving 50+ countries with specialized handling for aromatic herbs. As experienced bulk spice suppliers, we ensure timely delivery and proper documentation for international spice wholesalers and manufacturers.

Available Varieties & Regional Types

Uttarakhand GI Tagged Tej Patta

Prestigious GI status variety from Himalayan valleys (500-2400m altitude). Large, broad leaves with high cinnamaldehyde content and superior aroma.

GI Tagged Himalayan Premium Grade
  • Size: Large & broad (8-15 cm)
  • Cinnamaldehyde: 10-15%
  • Color: Olive green to brown
  • Aroma: Strong cassia-cinnamon like
Kerala Malabar Bay Leaf

Western Ghats variety with excellent aromatic properties. Widely used in traditional Kerala cuisine and Ayurvedic preparations.

Kerala Origin Aromatic Ayurvedic Grade
  • Size: Medium (6-10 cm)
  • Cinnamaldehyde: 8-12%
  • Color: Deep green to olive brown
  • Best For: Culinary use, essential oil extraction
North Indian Plains Variety

Commercial grade from North Indian plains. Good quality with consistent supply, suitable for food processing industry.

Commercial Grade Consistent Supply Cost Effective
  • Size: Medium (5-8 cm)
  • Cinnamaldehyde: 5-8%
  • Color: Light green to brown
  • Best For: Food processing, spice blends
Organic Certified Bay Leaf

NPOP, EU, and USDA organic certified bay leaves from certified organic farms. Premium quality for health-conscious markets.

Organic Certified Premium Health Multi-Certified
  • Certifications: NPOP, EU, USDA Organic
  • Cinnamaldehyde: 7-12%
  • Color: Natural green to brown
  • Best For: Health products, premium culinary

Form/Processing/Grade Options

Physical Forms

  • Whole Dried Leaves: Natural dried leaves, various sizes
  • Cut & Sifted: Broken pieces, uniform size
  • Ground Powder: Fine mesh powder (40-100 mesh)
  • Steam Sterilized: Microbially safe for direct use

Processing Options

  • Sun Dried: Traditional natural drying method
  • Machine Dried: Controlled temperature drying
  • Steam Sterilized: Pathogen-free processing
  • Fumigated: Pest-free certification available

Complete Product Specifications

General Product Information
Parameter Specification Testing Method Remarks
Country of Origin India (Uttarakhand, Kerala) Certificate of Origin GI Tagged Uttarakhand variety available
Harvest Period Year-round (Peak: Oct-Mar) Farmer Records Continuous availability
Processing Method Sun-dried, Steam sterilized Process Documentation Traditional + modern methods
Storage Conditions Cool, dry place, <60% RH Storage Guidelines Away from direct sunlight
Shelf Life 24 months (whole), 18 months (powder) Stability Studies Proper storage conditions
GMO Status Non-GMO Declaration Naturally grown
Irradiation Not irradiated Process Declaration Natural processing only
Physical Parameters by Grade
Parameter Uttarakhand GI Kerala Grade Commercial Grade Testing Method
Leaf Size/Length 8-15 cm 6-10 cm 5-8 cm Manual measurement
Color Olive green to brown Deep green to olive brown Light green to brown Visual inspection
Moisture Content 8-10% max 8-12% max 10-12% max Oven drying method
Foreign Matter 0.5% max 1% max 1.5% max Manual sorting
Broken/Damaged 2% max 3% max 5% max Visual grading
Leaf Veins 3 prominent veins 3 prominent veins 3 veins (may be faint) Visual identification
Bulk Density 180-220 kg/m³ 190-230 kg/m³ 200-240 kg/m³ Volume displacement
Chemical & Microbiological Parameters
Parameter Specification Testing Method Standard Reference
Cinnamaldehyde Content 5-15% (grade dependent) GC-MS Analysis ISO 11024-2
Essential Oil Content 1.5-4% Steam Distillation ISO 6571
Eucalyptol 30-45% GC-MS Analysis ISO 11024-2
Eugenol Content 8-15% HPLC Analysis USP/BP Standard
Total Ash 8% max AOAC 942.05 ASTA Method 3.0
Acid Insoluble Ash 2% max AOAC 941.12 ASTA Method 3.0
Aflatoxin B1 <5 ppb ELISA/LC-MS/MS EU Regulation
Total Aflatoxins <10 ppb ELISA/LC-MS/MS EU Regulation
Heavy Metals (Lead) <3.0 ppm ICP-MS EU Regulation
Heavy Metals (Cadmium) <0.5 ppm ICP-MS EU Regulation
Pesticide Residues Below MRL limits GC-MS/LC-MS EU/US/Japan MRL
Salmonella Absent in 25g USP Method USP <62>
E.coli <10 cfu/g Plate Count Method ISO 16649
Total Plate Count <10⁵ cfu/g Plate Count Method ISO 4833
Packaging & Container Loading Options
Package Type Weight Options Material MOQ Container Load
Multiwall Paper Bags 20kg, 25kg Food grade kraft paper with PE liner 500 kg 18-20 MT (20ft FCL)
Polypropylene Bags 10kg, 20kg, 25kg Virgin PP woven bags with PE liner 500 kg 20-22 MT (20ft FCL)
Bulk FIBC Bags 300kg, 500kg Food grade FIBC with liner 2000 kg 16-18 MT (20ft FCL)
Consumer Retail Packs 10g, 25g, 50g, 100g Stand-up pouches with zip lock 2000 pcs As per pack size
Private Label Containers 25g, 50g, 100g Food grade plastic containers 5000 pcs As per container size
Vacuum Packed 500g, 1kg, 5kg Multi-layer barrier films 250 kg Extended shelf life
Carton Boxes 5kg, 10kg, 15kg Corrugated cartons with inner bags 500 kg 15-17 MT (20ft FCL)
HS Code & Export Classification
Product Form HS Code Required Documentation Additional Notes
Whole Bay Leaves (Dried) 0910.99.90 Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate Uttarakhand GI, Kerala varieties
Cut & Sifted Bay Leaves 0910.99.19 Certificate of Origin, Quality Analysis Report Broken pieces, uniform size
Bay Leaf Powder 0910.99.90 Certificate of Origin, Quality Analysis Report Various mesh sizes
Bay Leaf Essential Oil 3301.19.90 Certificate of Origin, COA, MSDS Steam distilled oil
Bay Leaf Oleoresin 1302.19.90 Certificate of Origin, COA, MSDS Solvent extracted
Organic Bay Leaves 0910.99.90 Organic Certificate, COO, Phytosanitary NPOP/EU/USDA certified
Sterilized Bay Leaves 0910.99.90 Sterilization Certificate, COO Steam sterilized for food industry
Standard Export Documents
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Certificate of Origin (Chamber of Commerce)
  • Phytosanitary Certificate (Plant Quarantine)
  • Quality Analysis Report (Lab Tested)
  • FSSAI License Copy
  • Fumigation Certificate (if required)
Market-Specific Requirements
  • USA: FDA Prior Notice, Bioterrorism Act compliance
  • EU: RASFF notification, Novel Food regulation compliance
  • Japan: MOH Import notification, JAS standards
  • Singapore: AVA import license, food safety compliance
  • Australia: AQIS import permit, biosecurity requirements
  • Canada: CFIA compliance, labeling requirements

Products Available (Made from Bay Leaf)

Various value-added products derived from premium bay leaf for different industrial and culinary applications.

Bay Leaf Powder

Fine ground powder, various mesh sizes (40-100 mesh) for culinary and pharmaceutical use.

40-100 Mesh
Bay Leaf Essential Oil

Steam distilled essential oil with high eucalyptol content for aromatherapy and flavoring.

45% Eucalyptol
Bay Leaf Oleoresin

Concentrated extract with cinnamaldehyde and essential oils for food industry applications.

Concentrated
Cut & Sifted Bay Leaf

Uniformly cut pieces for tea blends and commercial food processing applications.

Uniform Size
Spice Blend Components

Bay leaf as key ingredient in garam masala and biryani spice blend formulations.

Blend Component
Ayurvedic Extracts

Standardized extracts for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications in traditional medicine.

Standardized
Herbal Tea Blends

Bay leaf components for wellness tea formulations and digestive health blends.

Wellness Grade
Organic Variants

Certified organic bay leaf products for health-conscious consumers and premium markets.

Organic Certified

Health Benefits & Medicinal Properties

Bay leaf (Tej Patta) has been valued in Ayurveda for centuries for its therapeutic properties and health benefits.

Digestive Health

Stimulates digestive enzymes, improves digestion, and helps treat abdominal pain, gas formation, and flatulence. Natural carminative properties aid in better nutrient absorption.

Active Compounds: Eucalyptol, cinnamaldehyde | Usage: Tea, powder, essential oil
Respiratory Support

Antibacterial properties help fight respiratory infections. Steam inhalation with bay leaf oil helps loosen phlegm and reduce congestion in asthma and bronchitis.

Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, expectorant | Applications: Aromatherapy, steam inhalation
Cardiovascular Health

Contains rutin and caffeic acid that strengthen capillary walls, reduce bad cholesterol (LDL), and increase good cholesterol (HDL). Supports heart function.

Benefits: Cholesterol management, heart protection | Study: 20% cholesterol reduction in 30 days
Blood Sugar Control

Enhances insulin function and helps manage blood glucose levels. Studies show 1-3g daily consumption for 30 days reduces blood sugar and triglycerides.

Mechanism: Insulin sensitivity improvement | Research: Proven antidiabetic activity
Stress & Anxiety Relief

Contains linalool which helps reduce stress hormones. Aromatherapy with bay leaf oil promotes relaxation and fights depression and anxiety naturally.

Active: Linalool compound | Benefits: Mood enhancement, stress reduction
Antimicrobial Properties

Eugenol content provides strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. Effective against food-borne pathogens and helps in wound healing.

Properties: Antibacterial, antifungal | Applications: Food preservation, topical treatments
Weight Management

Natural enzymes help break down proteins and speed up metabolism. Bay leaf tea curbs hunger, improves digestion, and supports healthy weight loss.

Mechanism: Metabolic boost, appetite control | Usage: Bay leaf tea, powder supplements
Kidney Health

Natural diuretic properties reduce kidney load and help in detoxification. May help prevent kidney stone formation by reducing urease in the body.

Benefits: Natural detox, kidney stone prevention | Properties: Diuretic, detoxifying

Usage & Applications

Indian Cuisine Essentials

Essential ingredient in biryani, pulao, korma, and curry preparations. Provides distinctive cassia-cinnamon aroma that enhances rice dishes and meat preparations.

Usage: Whole leaves in cooking | Regional: Kashmiri, Mughlai, and South Indian cuisines
Garam Masala Production

Key component in garam masala spice blends, providing warmth and depth. Used in commercial spice blend manufacturing for authentic Indian flavor profiles.

Form: Dried whole or powder | Applications: Spice blends, masala powders, ready-to-cook products
Beverage Industry

Tej patta tea for digestive health and wellness drinks. Used in masala chai blends and herbal tea formulations for respiratory and digestive benefits.

Products: Masala chai, herbal teas, wellness drinks | Benefits: Digestive aid, respiratory support
International Cuisine

Used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, though different from European bay laurel. Adds unique flavor to soups, stews, and sauce preparations.

Difference: Stronger cassia flavor than European bay | Applications: Soups, stews, sauce manufacturing
Food Processing Industry

Ready-to-eat meals, instant food products, snack seasonings, and convenience food manufacturing. Large-scale commercial food production applications.

Products: Instant biryani, ready meals, snack foods | Form: Powder, oleoresin, essential oil
Spice Blend Manufacturing

Commercial production of garam masala, biryani masala, curry powders, and proprietary spice blends for retail and food service markets.

Applications: Masala powders, curry blends, seasoning mixes | Markets: Retail, food service, export
Essential Oil Industry

Steam distillation for essential oil extraction used in perfumery, aromatherapy products, and natural flavoring agent manufacturing.

Products: Essential oils, aromatherapy blends, natural perfumes | Content: 45% eucalyptol
Export & Distribution

Bulk export to international spice traders, food manufacturers, and essential oil companies. Major export destinations include USA, Singapore, UK.

Volume: 3,330+ annual shipments from India | Forms: Whole, powder, essential oil, oleoresin
Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine

Used in Ayurvedic formulations for digestive disorders, respiratory problems, and diabetes management. Balances Kapha and Vata doshas while increasing Pitta dosha.

Properties: Ushna (hot), Katu (pungent) | Uses: Digestive fire, AMA toxin reduction, respiratory support
Nutraceutical Industry

Standardized extracts for dietary supplements, blood sugar management formulations, and digestive health products. Natural antioxidant supplements.

Applications: Diabetes supplements, digestive aids, antioxidant formulations | Form: Standardized extracts
Aromatherapy Industry

Essential oil in stress relief products, respiratory therapy blends, and wellness aromatherapy applications. Natural mood enhancement products.

Benefits: Stress reduction, respiratory support | Active: Linalool for anxiety relief
Research & Development

Pharmaceutical research for antidiabetic compounds, antimicrobial applications, and natural preservative development. Clinical studies on therapeutic benefits.

Research Areas: Diabetes management, antimicrobial activity, natural preservation
Natural Preservation

Antimicrobial properties utilized in natural food preservation, traditional food storage methods, and organic preservation systems.

Properties: Antibacterial, antifungal | Applications: Food preservation, storage enhancement
Natural Pest Repellent

Burning bay leaves acts as natural insect repellent. Used in storage areas to protect grains and prevent pest infestation in warehouses.

Method: Burning dried leaves, essential oil spray | Benefits: Chemical-free pest control
Organic & Health Markets

Certified organic bay leaf for health-conscious consumers and premium organic food product manufacturing. Clean label ingredient applications.

Certifications: NPOP, EU, USDA Organic | Markets: Premium health products, organic food industry
Hair Care Industry

Bay leaf water for dandruff treatment and hair strengthening. Natural hair care formulations for scalp health and hair growth promotion.

Benefits: Dandruff control, hair strengthening | Applications: Hair oils, natural shampoos

Frequently Asked Questions

Indian bay leaf (Cinnamomum tamala) is completely different from European bay leaf (Laurus nobilis). Indian bay leaf is larger (8-15cm), has three prominent veins, olive-green color, and cassia-cinnamon aroma with 5-15% cinnamaldehyde content. European bay leaf is smaller, has one central vein, lighter green color, and pine-lemon aroma. They cannot be substituted for each other in recipes as they have entirely different flavor profiles and chemical compositions.
Uttarakhand Tej Patta received Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2016 as India's 267th GI tagged product due to its unique characteristics from Himalayan cultivation at 500-2400m altitude. The specific climatic conditions, soil composition, and traditional cultivation methods result in larger leaves (8-15cm), higher cinnamaldehyde content (10-15%), and superior aromatic properties compared to plain varieties. The GI tag ensures authenticity and quality standards specific to this region.
We maintain strict quality standards through pre-qualified supplier networks with regular audits, standardized processing protocols, and comprehensive testing for cinnamaldehyde content, moisture levels, and microbiological parameters. All suppliers must meet certifications including FSSAI, organic standards where applicable, and our internal quality benchmarks. Every batch undergoes pre-shipment inspection and laboratory analysis to ensure consistency across GI tagged, Kerala, and commercial grade varieties.
Minimum orders: 500kg for bulk shipments, 250kg for retail packaging, 2000 pieces for private label products. Lead times: 10-15 days for standard grades, 15-21 days for GI tagged Uttarakhand variety, 21-30 days for organic certified products. Peak availability is October to March. We can accommodate smaller quantities through consolidated shipping programs with adjusted pricing structures.
Yes, we provide free samples up to 100g for quality evaluation including all available grades (GI tagged, Kerala, commercial, organic). Samples include complete specification sheets, certificate of analysis with cinnamaldehyde content, and processing information. Commercial shipments include: quality analysis report, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, FSSAI license copy, GI certificate (for Uttarakhand variety), organic certificates (where applicable), and market-specific documentation.
Properly stored bay leaves have a shelf life of 24 months for whole leaves and 18 months for powder from processing date. Optimal storage: temperature below 25°C, relative humidity below 60%, protection from direct sunlight, and pest-free environment. Store in airtight containers to maintain cinnamaldehyde content and aromatic properties. The three-vein structure helps identify authentic Indian bay leaf and quality degradation over time.
Yes, we supply certified organic bay leaves with NPOP (India), EU Organic, and USDA Organic certifications from verified organic farms in Uttarakhand and Kerala. Our organic suppliers follow strict guidelines: no synthetic pesticides/fertilizers, 3-year transition period verification, regular inspection by accredited agencies, and sustainable farming practices. Organic bay leaves typically command 15-25% premium pricing due to specialized cultivation and certification costs.
Bay leaves offer multiple health benefits: digestive support, blood sugar management, respiratory health, stress relief, and antimicrobial properties due to cinnamaldehyde, eucalyptol, and eugenol content. However, whole leaves should not be eaten as they remain tough and can cause choking or digestive blockage. Always remove whole leaves before serving. For therapeutic use, consult healthcare providers, especially for diabetes management or if taking medications, as bay leaf may interact with blood glucose levels.