Borage:
The Bee-Loving Starflower with a Hint of Cucumber
By Lana Kenan
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Originally from Syria, this herb is common in Italy and Spain for many of the traditional Borage recipes that use Borage as a vegetable rather than a herb. Leaves, flowers and stems are edible. The taste has a pleasant hint of cucumber. Bees love it so it is often used by beekeepers to boost production.
Believed to be an antidepressant and a source of courage. It has one of the highest sources of Omega 6. In the garden, Borage repels insects and assists nearby plants by increasing resistance to pests and diseases. Used as a green manure, its long taproot brings trace elements to the upper areas of the soil. The plant itself adds nitrogen when dug back into the soil, or used in composting. |
HOW TO GROW BORAGE
Borage can be an annual or a perennial. In the Perth area, seeds can be sown from September to February. The soil needs organic matter organic ma and good drainage. Seeds can be planted directly into the soil or start seeds indoors. Just follow the directions on the packet. Once the plant is established it will self-seed.
PERENNIAL BORAGE
Creeping borage (Borago pygmaea) – Creeping borage is a sprawling plant with fragrant, pale blue blooms that appear from late spring through early autumn. This is a hardy borage that can grow in difficult areas, such as shady spots.
BORAGE AS A VEGETABLE
Saute garlic with olive oil and add a small pinch of chilli flakes (Optional: Borage has a mild flavour). Add washed, wet leaves (remove stalks). Serve with salt and pepper and a dash of lemon.
CRYSTALIZED BORAGE FLOWERS
Flowers are used for decorating cakes and desserts and can be stored for at least a year.
INGREDIENTS
12-24 Borage Flowers 1 egg white at room temperature
1 cup white sugar A few drops of water
A paintbrush
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine egg white with water. Using a fork lightly beat until white just shows some bubbles. Place sugar in a shallow dish. Hold the flower, dip a small paintbrush into the egg then gently paint the flower with the mixture. Sprinkle flowers with sugar. Place completed flowers on a wire rack covered with parchment paper to dry. Repeat with other flowers. Allow to completely dry before using as a decorative topping to a cupcake, cake, etc. Depending on humidity this may be anywhere from 12-36 hours. Store crystallized flowers in an airtight container until required.
Borage can be an annual or a perennial. In the Perth area, seeds can be sown from September to February. The soil needs organic matter organic ma and good drainage. Seeds can be planted directly into the soil or start seeds indoors. Just follow the directions on the packet. Once the plant is established it will self-seed.
PERENNIAL BORAGE
Creeping borage (Borago pygmaea) – Creeping borage is a sprawling plant with fragrant, pale blue blooms that appear from late spring through early autumn. This is a hardy borage that can grow in difficult areas, such as shady spots.
BORAGE AS A VEGETABLE
Saute garlic with olive oil and add a small pinch of chilli flakes (Optional: Borage has a mild flavour). Add washed, wet leaves (remove stalks). Serve with salt and pepper and a dash of lemon.
CRYSTALIZED BORAGE FLOWERS
Flowers are used for decorating cakes and desserts and can be stored for at least a year.
INGREDIENTS
12-24 Borage Flowers 1 egg white at room temperature
1 cup white sugar A few drops of water
A paintbrush
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine egg white with water. Using a fork lightly beat until white just shows some bubbles. Place sugar in a shallow dish. Hold the flower, dip a small paintbrush into the egg then gently paint the flower with the mixture. Sprinkle flowers with sugar. Place completed flowers on a wire rack covered with parchment paper to dry. Repeat with other flowers. Allow to completely dry before using as a decorative topping to a cupcake, cake, etc. Depending on humidity this may be anywhere from 12-36 hours. Store crystallized flowers in an airtight container until required.
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