Borage is new to me. I admit I knew nothing about it until I sowed some borage seeds that were given to me. As the plant started to grow I realized that I had no idea what to do with it. Is it a flower, can you eat it, is it mainly for medicinal purposes? After a recent discussion on my Facebook page I started to learn that borage has many uses, it is edible, medicinal and ornamental. This led me to do more online research and I’m excited to share with you what I have learned about this wonderful plant.
- Borage, also know as “starflower” is considered an herb, is an annual and is self seeding.
- Borage attracts beneficial pollinating bees to your garden and makes a good companion plant for strawberries, squash and tomatoes. The flavor of the tomato is also improved when planted with borage.
- Young leaves and flowers are edible and have a light cucumber flavor. Use leaves to make Hank Shaw’s Borage and Ricotta Ravioli or Mario Batali’s Borage Fritters. Use the periwinkle blue flowers as a cocktail garnish such as in the La Guera by Chris Bostick. Or you can make fancy ice cubes. Check out these Google images where borage flowers are used in salads. Stunning! (Go light on the flowers as they have a mild laxative effect.)
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I’ll take more pictures along the way and look forward to sharing future recipes that include my new found herb…borage.
Garden Guides has more culinary and medicinal uses for this versatile plant. This list is endless.
Happy planting! 