borage
borago officinalis
‘I borage always bring joy’
Gerard’s Herball, 1597
Native to the Mediterranean, borage grows wild in wasteland, thriving in poor soil, offering a continuous supply of nectar to bees as the flowers immediately replenish themselves once depleted. Not just enjoyed by pollinators, borage has captivated people throughout history, believed to dispel melancholy and bring courage. Considered sacred by the Druids, soldiers would consecrate their weapons with the star shaped petals and drink borage-infused wine before battle.
Borage for courage was an epithet shared amongst the classical world with flowers being given to young Roman soldiers and ancient naturalists Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder both remark on its emboldening effects.
The flowers and leaves are edible, and have a flavour similar to cucumber. The leaves can be eaten raw in a salad, stirred into soups or cooked like spinach. The best way to preserve the flowers is to freeze them in ice cubes which make a delightful addition to a gin and tonic. Borage leaves have a high concentration of vitamin C, and the plant has anti-inflammatory, mild diuretic, diaphoretic and demulcent properties. Always consume herbs in moderation - excessive amounts of borage can cause liver damage.
grow
Easy to grow, borage seeds do best in well draining, low nutrient compost in a sunny position. Poke seeds into soil about 1cm deep and water well. Keep compost moist but not water logged. Seeds germinate in 10-15 days. Cut flowers to extend flowering season (but leave enough for the bees!).
eat - candied borage flowers
Add sugared borage flowers to cupcakes or shortbread for a delicate and delightful splash of colour. Pick as many flowers as required and leave a little of the stem on so they’re easier to hold. Whisk egg white in a bowl and using a fine, clean paintbrush carefully paint the egg white onto the petals while holding the flower and sprinkle with a fine sugar and set aside to dry. To position the flowers you can poke the attached stem into iced cakes, or use a little egg white on the reverse of the petals to smooth the flower onto biscuits etc.
drink - borage ice cubes
Once picked, borage flowers don’t last very long so freezing them is an ideal way to preserve their star-shaped charm. Pick flowers when they’re fully open and place in ice cube trays, cover with water and freeze. For clear ice, use water that’s been boiled and left to cool. Add the decorative cubes to frozen cocktails in summer, drop into a hearty scotch, or simply place in pitchers of juice or water. You can also float the fresh flowers in punch, Sangria, or a jug of Pimm’s.
Caution: If you have any health conditions, allergies or are pregnant, always do your research and consult a doctor or trained herbalist before consuming herbs; while wonderful they are potent plants and should be used with care and in moderation.