FoodFood InformationHerbs&Spice
BORAGE (Borago officinalis)
This distinctive annual has branching stems that grow from a single taproot to about 1-3 feet tall. The gray- green leaves are 4-6 inches longand, like the stems, are covered with bristly hairs. Borage produces beautifulstar shaped, peacock blue flowers that nod downward in leafy clusters atthe tips of stems.
Medieval literature states that borage is supposed to give strength of heart,courage, and joyfulness to anyone who eats the leaves or drinks wine inwhich the flowers or leaves are floating: appropriately, astrologers placedit under the reign of Jupiter-the largest planet, named after the king ofthe Roman gods-and the zodiac sign of Leo, which is symbolized by the lion.In the past, borage has been used to help cure fevers; but the descriptionsof its virtues by early writers are contradictory, some saying that it iscooling and others that it is spicy hot. You'll have to try it yourselfto find which is correct.
Borage likes sun or filtered shade, slightly poor soil, and only moderateamounts of water. It grows readily from seeds sown in the spring and willre-seed itself so easily that it can become a weed in mild climates. Plantsare best used where they can be seen close up: in border plantings and incontainers, for example. They take up a lot of room in the garden and don'ttransplant well, so space plants a generous distance apart.
The leaves have a cucumber-like flavor and can be used in salads and picklingor can be cooked as a green and eaten like spinach. Cut the flowers justafter they open for use in arrangements or for color in potpourris: Theyalso can be floated in iced drinks or candied and used to decorate cakesand ice cream.