Bay leaves

Botch

Phatchris said:

http://www.seriouseats.com/2014/03/ask-the-food-lab-whats-the-point-of-bay-leaves.html

...and I completely missed this article, first time around; learned a few more things.  Thanks, @Phatchris.  

lkapigian

They also have Tannin , helps keep your fermented veggies crunchy 

SGH

Botch said:

I can't taste anything.

If you want to actually taste the flavor, then try this. Boil a quart of water with 6 Bay Leaves in it for about 10 minutes. Let the water cool to room temp. Then taste the water. I give you my word you will taste it. You will detect eucalyptus and a slight peppery taste. The elixir it produces when boiled or simmered is totally different than just chewing the leaf.