Did you know that some grocery stores carry fresh bay leaves in addition to the dried ones you’re used to? Rach is a fan, and we are, too!

“Fresh bay leaves have a lighter, more floral flavor, and they keep for weeks in the fridge,” she says.

You’ll find them in the produce section with the other packaged fresh herbs. Look for the Turkish variety, which may be grown in Turkey or Central America, and skip the California type, which has a strong minty flavor that can overpower soups and sauces.

Fresh bay leaves are usually a little more expensive than dried, but any you don’t use can be frozen or (you guessed it) dried.