19/07/2025
Borage - Borago officinalis
An herb as beautiful as it is flavorful. Both the sky-blue star shaped flowers, and tender leaves add a light cucumber flavor to fresh salads or steamed greens. * Bees will attest to the fact that borage is also a fine plant for pollinators.
Originally from the Mediterranean, this annual herb came to America in the 17th cen. via England/Europe, where the adage "borage for courage" was used for centuries. Throughout history, many glasses of wine graced with borage were raised for those in battle through the ages, but linguistic experts suggest that the courage implied also referred to its use as an aphrodisiac.
Borage flowers can be frozen into ice cubes, added into wine, sangria, gin and tonic or most traditionally in Pimm's cup for added flavor and beauty. What is your favorite use of borage?
