The laurel (Laurus nobilis) is a perennial plant from the laurel family (Lauraceae), which is mainly found in the Mediterranean region. In Istria it grows throughout the coastal strip and especially in the forests around Lovran, which was named after this species.
The laurel has been valued since ancient times. At that time, it was considered a sacred tree and laurel branches were given to poets, warlords and other celebrities to honour and pay tribute to them. This custom gave rise to the term laureate, which in Latin means “crowned with laurel”.
There are many uses for laurel, for example, it is used as an additive to dishes, which gives it a distinctive, pleasant aroma. Laurel oil is used to relieve rheumatic complaints, calm the stomach and relieve flatulence, and stimulates the activity of the immune system. Because of its healing properties, it is used in the pharmaceutical industry to make soaps, creams, perfumes and the like, and has bactericidal, antiseptic and fungicidal effect.
Laurel leaf is a common spice used in the preparation of a variety of dishes, including fish, meat dishes and various marinades. The Faculty also offers educational programmes in gastronomy, and laurel, as a pioneer among spices, plays a key role in Croatian tourist gastronomy, which is why it can also be found in the courtyard.
FUN FACT: Lumber, the fruit of the laurel tree that grows only on the female laurel tree, is used as ammunition for crack (which is made from elder wood) – a traditional Croatian toy. Every year at the end of August, Opatija hosts the “va pukalnicah” competition, which attempts to revive a forgotten children’s game.
