Borage

Borage is grown mostly for its bright blue edible flower and is an excellent bee plant common as a companion plant in many vegetable gardens.

The flower has a sweet, honey-like taste and is often used to decorate desserts and cocktails, sometimes frozen in ice cubes.

Commercial cultivation of borage occurs to produce borage seed oil which is high in gamma linolenic acid (GLA, an Omega-6 oil) which can be used as a nutritional supplement or applied topically to the skin.

The leaves are used in small quantities in many cuisines in “green sauce”, soups, a filling in ravioli and to flavour pickled gherkin.

Also known as Starflower and native to the Mediterranean region.

Note: Medicinal use of herbs requires thorough research. We advise checking with a medical professional particularly if pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication.