Borago offininalis Borage |
Borage is native to southern Europe.
The ancient Greeks and Romans placed sprays of borage in wine cups to "make
men and women glad and merry". The Greeks considered borage a symbol
of courage, and the blue, star-like flowers became a favourite embroidery
design in the Middle Ages.
Borage has diuretic and laxative properties. Freshly pressed juice of the plant is said to strengthen the nervous system, cleanse the blood, and reduce fevers by accelerating the metabolism, thus acting as a general pick-me-up. Borage is rich in potassium, calcium and salts. It is also a refrigerant - a fresh leaf placed on the tongue will lower the temperature of the mouth. Only fresh young leaves are used in cooking. Borage has a taste similar to cucumber, and is suitable for use in salads, vegetable and meat stews, in mayonnaise, and in fish dishes. The young leaves and flowers can be used as a garnish for cool summer drinks. The flowers can also be crystallised and used as decorations for puddings and cakes. Borage is an annual that can reach a height of 36 inches, and may need to be staked. It sometimes alternates the colour of its flowers, and it is not uncommon to find a plant bearing blue, pink and white blooms simultaneously. The flowers dry well and add colour to pot-pourris. It is not suitable for container planting because of the long tap root. When planted next to strawberries it helps to achieve heavier cropping. Borage will tolerate most soils, but flourishes in lime-rich ground. |