Borage in the garden
Prickly but pretty, borage is one of our garden favorites both for its lovely color and also for its attrictiveness to the bees. We've had borage for a number of years, but only this year did I try experimenting by eating its leaves and making an herbal brew.
Borage is native to Mediterranean countries and had a reputation for brightening spirits. It has also been thought to reduce fever. In modern uses, its seeds are used to make gamma-linolenic acid.
Notice the two differently colored flowers
When making an herbal infusion, I use both the leaf and flowers. I tear up the leaves to encourage the release of the plant's essence. I poured boiling water over the leaf and steeped for 10 minutes. The liquor is very light and light tasting, enjoyable and refreshing with the benefit of being caffeine-free. When I sip the infusion alone, I can get a hint of the cucumber flavor, but that's easily overrun when taken with food.
Have you ever used borage?
8 comments:
PS - After having posted this and gone back to the tea, I find that I like it at a 20 minute steep. The color and flavor intensify, but still very pleasing.
Never even heard of this plant, but I'll be on the lookout now.
I have never been tempted to even grow borage. It is pretty though and I love your photos. I have however been thinking about nettles. Have you tried them. I saw a picture of nettle mousse stuffed eggs and I was intrigued. Not even sure where to find them.
I just planted borage few weeks ago! I knew next to nothing except what i read on the tag- cucumber like taste and attracts butterflies. It has started to flower and they are beautiful. Now I'm really excited to make tea- I'll try the 20 min steep also. WOW- very cool!
Most interesting! I tried growing this from seed last year with no success, but perhaps it needs to go back on the list for next year!
Love borage! They have such a beautiful flower, although my mother always lamented that they hung their blossom down and you couldn't really see the flower unless you purposely lifted it up. I love to use the blossoms as an edible flower garnish. I remember making a chilled cucumber soup processing the leaves in the blender but can't seem to locate the recipe. The soup was tasty and refreshing. However, I've never made a tea with it. Interesting.
I've heard about borage being used for companion planting, but I don't know anything about this. I've never tried using it in companion planting because I prefer to use native plants only, besides plants that I use directly for food.
I did not know borage could be used as an herbal tea until I read this post...maybe I can try it, next time I see it growing somewhere. I've usually been more motivated to brew herbal teas from the more strongly-aromatic herbs, like those of the mint family.
I have frozen the blossoms in little ice cubes to use in iced tea.
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