Borage (Borago officinalis), also known as a starflower, is an annual herb in the flowering plant family Boraginaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and has naturalized in many other locales. It grows satisfactorily in gardens in the UK climate, remaining in the garden from year to year by self-seeding. The leaves are edible and the plant is grown in gardens for that purpose in some parts of Europe. The plant is also commercially cultivated for borage seed oil extracted from its seeds. (information sourced from Wikipedia)
Borage is a hardy annual herb and an excellent companion plant that will stimulate the growth of strawberries. The plant forms a rosette of large ovate leaves before sending up hollow flowering stems to 90cm. The whole plant has a cucumber scent and can irritate sensitive skin. The plant requires a sunny, well drained position and prefers a well dug and composted soil. Sow plants directly into the ground in spring and in autumn (fall). This herb is not suitable for pot planting. Harvest year round as required. Dry the leaves in a very cool oven or in a well aired place, out of direct sunlight.
Remove the sepals from flowers and use them in salads, or crystallize for use as cake decorations.
information sourced from The Complete Book of Herbs
Not my favourite herb …
I have never cooked with it 🙂
I can’t think of any recipes using borage – pretty flowers though.
🙂 Mandy
It’s very pretty but I’ve never eaten it. I know I’ve been offered it here but I couldn’t remember what for. French wiki came to the rescue. Good for all sorts of things!
I LOVE wiki!
me too! (even if sometimes one’s faith is temporarily shattered when you know something about something and it’s written up wrong…)
at least with Wiki you can edit the entries 🙂