Bay Nuts from CA Bay Laurel Tree

I processed some more bay nuts from the California Bay Laurel (Umbellularia californica), a relative of the avocado.  I found them on our hike in upper Silverado Canyon in Orange County, California.  I regularly collect and cook with the fragrant bay leaves, but fall and winter is an excellent time to harvest the bittersweet nuts.  When roasted, the nuts have the flavor and consistency of cacao nibs or coffee beans.  First, I removed the rotten flesh that surrounded each nut.

 Then, I dried them and shelled them.

Finally, I roasted them in the oven until they were brown. 

I drizzled some olive oil and salt and served.  They are quite addicting!