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Borago Officinalis
Borage, Star Flower
Hardy annual. Height and spread 60cm (24in). Loose
racemes of blue star-shaped flowers with black stamens
in early summer until the first frosts. The mid-green
leaves are bristly, oval, or oblong in shape, and succulent.
Flower is blue or white and star-shaped with black
stamens that look like a bird's beak.
Leaf is covered in tiny bristly hairs which dissolve
when eaten.
Stem is hollow and covered in fine prickles.
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Borage is the perfect example
of a herb that has a wealth of uses in the garden, the
kitchen and the home.
This very pretty flowering herb originated in the Mediterranean,
where it can be found growing on wasteland. It has now spread
and naturalised in North America and Northern Europe. Historically
it was given to young Roman soldiers for courage and comfort,
and borage flowers were given to the Crusaders - floated in
stirrup cups - for the same reason. It has several
culinary and medicinal purposes.
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Uses
Medicinally, the oil made from borage seeds is high in polyunsaturated
fats. It is used to treat eczema, pre-menstrual complaints,
and rheumatic problems. The fresh leaves of B. Officinalis
taste good added to salads, soups, and with cream cheese or
yoghurt.
Site
Borage tolerates most soils (including clay) but prefers well-drained light, poor soil in a sunny position. If the soil is too rich it may grow tall and weak and need staking. For this reason, it does not make a good container-grown plant.
Maintenance
Borage self-seeds easily, especially in light soils. Once the petals of the flowers drop, the seeds appear. Collect those you want to propagate for next year's plants, and carefully remove any others.
Harvesting
Pick fresh flowers just as they open fully. The best way to
preserve the flowers is by freezing them in ice cube trays.
Pick fresh, young leaves of B. Officinalis throughout
the season.
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