Borage is from the Boraginaceae family, and is commonly referred to as Starflower, due to the shape of its flowers. Borage originally was grown in the Mediterranean and Western Asia, and ancient writings speak of it being used by the Roman and the Greek cultures in foods, beverages, and medicines. Today it has matriculated around the world and is commonly found in North America, New Zealand, South America, and Europe.

Known as a “wonder herb,” the plant is fragrant, with beautiful flowers, and is used as a culinary addition. Borage is a true pollinator in your garden, attracting bees to support and bring life to your fruits, veggies, flowers and plants.

Both stems and leaves of the plant are covered with fine hair trichomes. The leaves can be harvested all year, but picking and consuming the young leaves is recommended for the best flavor and nutritional value. The flowers are edible, but like the leaves, should be consumed soon after harvesting. Harvested borage is used in soups, stews, and even with cheese as a filling for pasta dishes.

The writers at Plantura Magazine share: “Fresh flowers can only be kept for a few days in the fridge. Candied in sugar, on the other hand, the beautiful starflower will last longer. You can also try freezing them with water in ice cube trays; these make beautiful garnishes to cocktails and other iced drinks. The flowers can also be preserved in vinegar and oil, but they will lose their vivid blue color.”

Borage oil is produced by extracting oil using a cold press processing of the seeds to extract this precious oil. Sometimes, a filtration process is used to remove impurities, and a deodorization step is used to adjust the scent of the oil.

Borage oil contains gamma linolenic acid and other fatty acids, and is used for regulation of metabolism, PMS, and menopause symptoms. Researchers note that borage is sometimes indicated to alleviate colds, bronchitis, and respiratory infections. Also, borage offers oleic and palmitic acid which may have a hypocholesterolemic effect. 

Borage products are safe when sourced from certified products free of PA (Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids). As always, one should consult a healthcare practitioner  for safety advice, especially when pregnant or breastfeeding, when liver ailments are present, or if using blood thinners, or having surgical procedure, due to blood thinning possibilities.