Five Ways to Use Borage in Garden and Kitchen

Borage, also known as starflower, is a versatile herb that can be used in multiple ways in your garden and kitchen.  Borage has a mild cucumber-like flavor. It's leaves and flowers are packed with essential nutrients, including minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a great addition to your meals and your garden beds!  

In folklore, borage has been known to symbolize courage, bravery, and strength. Its nickname, "starflower," comes from the star-shaped petals of its blue flowers, which have been said to represent hope and inspiration. In traditional medicine, borage has been used for its healing properties, particularly for its anti-inflammatory effects. It was used to treat various ailments, including respiratory infections, fever, and skin irritations. Borage was also believed to lift the spirits and provide comfort during difficult times. Today, borage is still valued for its many benefits, and its use in herbal remedies and culinary practices continues to be popular.

Here are five easy ways to use borage:

1. Culinary: Use Borage leaves and flowers can be used in cooking to add a refreshing, cucumber-like flavor to your dishes. Simply chop the leaves and flowers and add them to your favorite recipes. Borage leaves are also a good source of potassium, calcium, and vitamin C, making them an excellent addition to your diet.

2. Tea: Borage tea is a popular way to enjoy the herb's benefits. To make borage tea, steep a handful of fresh borage leaves or flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes. You can add honey or lemon to taste. Borage tea is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate symptoms of respiratory infections and allergies.

3. Companion Plant: Borage is also a useful companion plant. It attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies that help to pollinate other plants in your garden. It also has a deep taproot that helps to bring up nutrients from deeper layers of soil, making it an excellent plant to grow alongside other plants.

4. Pollinator Attractor: Borage is a popular choice for attracting pollinators to your garden. The bright blue flowers of the borage plant are a magnet for bees and butterflies, making it an excellent addition to your garden if you want to attract these beneficial insects.

5. Chop and Drop Mulch: Borage leaves and stems can be chopped and dropped onto the soil as mulch. They break down quickly and add nutrients to the soil, making it more fertile. Borage mulch can also help to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth. Chop the pant before it flowers (unless you want to grow more borage - it will readily re-seed itself once it blooms),

It's important to note that borage can grow quite large and bushy, so it's best to avoid using it as chop and drop mulch in small spaces or raised beds where it may overwhelm other plants. However, in larger garden areas or as part of a cover crop mix, borage can be an excellent choice for chop and drop mulch.

 

There you have it! Borage is a versatile herb that can be used in various ways in your garden and kitchen. Its medicinal properties and anti-inflammatory effects make it an excellent addition to your wellness routine. Try incorporating borage into your garden as a companion plant and pollinator attractor, and use it in your culinary practices, tea, and as a chop and drop mulch to enjoy its benefits.