Umbellularia californica -- California Bay Oil
Answered by: Conrad Richter
Question from: Kevin Lebovitz
Posted on: April 25, 2002

I have been reading some of your agriculture writings. I just finished the piece in the AMERICAN VEGETABLE GROWER. I was hoping you could tell me where I can purchase large amounts of California bay oil derived from the Umbellularia californica (aka California bay).

I have been looking for a long time and I hope you can help.

I used write for them years ago (1987), but haven’t submitted anything since. Wonder why?

California bay is the primary leaf used by Shilling, so I suspect they would be one primary source. Depending on your volume needs, of course, I could find wildcrafters willing to harvest this for income. It certainly is very easily found throughout this region of the world.

Roy Teranesce of the USDA did some fine work on its toxicity and LD50 level.

What volumes do you consider "large?" Time for best harvests are actually ready to begin early this year (April).

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