Suppose we were having a conversation and I casually said, “I had some borage today for lunch and it was terrific.” Borage? What the heck is that? To tell you the truth, it makes me think of porridge or some thick stew from another country. But in reality borage is an herb with a large stalk, velvety, dark green leaves and beautiful, purple, star-shaped flowers with black stamens. In fact, you’ve probably seen the flowers since they are often used as garnish in soups or on desserts.
Brought to North America by European settlers in the early 1600s, this herb was used extensively by the Romans as a protective plant and also as an herb that brought good cheer and courage. Borage was put in the farewell drink of knights as they left on dangerous journeys and was put in tea to promote happiness.
The flavor of borage is similar to mild cucumber and the leaves and flowers can be added to soups, vegetables, salads and fillings for sandwiches or pastas. The leaves have a prickly texture, which isn’t pleasing. Therefore, they should be chopped before use. A few sprigs floating in a punch bowl make a beautiful decoration and freezing the flowers in ice cubes makes a colorful addition to any beverage. In China the leaves are stuffed and rolled and in Germany the leaves are added to soups and court bouillons. It is also an ingredient in Pim’s No. 1, a gin-based drink created about 100 years ago.
Crystallized borage leaves make a stunning garnish on any cake or plate. Brush each flower with egg white, gum arabic or rose water and dust with superfine sugar until they are completely coated. Dry them on waxed paper or wine racks, and store in airtight containers.
Borage has great medicinal qualities as well. Borage seed oil is the richest source of gamma linolenic acid or GLA. It is used to reduce swelling and as a topical ointment for skin conditions such as eczema. Injections of borage seed oil is thought to reduce the death rate from acute respiratory distress syndrome. Because this can be a fatal disorder, many studies are being done on this common herb.
Borage is very easy to grow. It self seeds easily once grown and if given a lot of sun will easily thrive. Soil conditions aren’t very important and the herb will grow just fine in poor soil with little water. This hardy annual can also be grown in pots indoors. If given lots of heat and sunshine, the plants will explode in bloom.
So this summer, introduce everyone you know to borage. With its enticing flavor and brilliant flowers, this herb is definitely worth noticing. I think it needs a more appealing name though. I wonder whom I would contact about that?
This article appears in March 2024.