Borage (Borago officinalis), also known as a starflower, is an annual herb. It is native to the Mediterranean region and has naturalised in many other locales. It grows satisfactorily in gardens in Australia, remaining in the garden from year to year by self-seeding. The leaves are edible and the plant is grown in gardens for that purpose in some parts of Europe. The plant is also commercially cultivated for borage seed oil extracted from its seeds.
Vegetable use of borage is common in Germany, in the Spanish regions of Aragón and Navarra, in the Greek island of Crete and in the northern Italian region of Liguria. Although often used in soups, one of the better known German borage recipes is the Green Sauce (Grüne Soße) made in Frankfurt. In Italian Liguria, borage is commonly used as a filling of the traditional pasta ravioli and pansoti.
The leaves and flowers were originally used in Pimms before being replaced by mint or cucumber peel. It is used to flavour pickled gherkins in Poland. It is also one of the key "botanical" flavourings in Gilpin's Westmorland Extra Dry Gin. In Iran people make tea for the relief of colds, flu, bronchitis, rheumatoid arthritis and kidney inflammations. People with heart problems can benefit using the borage tea in moderate amounts.
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When to Post:
inlinkz will be available every Thursday and will remain open until the next Wednesday.
2. Please only post photos you have authority to use.
3. Include a link to this blog in your post - http://floralfridayfoto.blogspot.com/
4. Leave the link to your FloralFridayFoto post below on inlinkz.
5. Visit other blogs listed ... comment & enjoy!
When to Post:
inlinkz will be available every Thursday and will remain open until the next Wednesday.
Pretty blue stars.
ReplyDeleteThis plant will return year after year in my garden. The herb has a very nice blue color.
ReplyDeleteSo blue. Wonderful image.
ReplyDeleteLovely!
ReplyDeleteInteresting medical benefits from such a lovely small blue flower. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteA beautifully shaped flower and the blue is a stunning tone. Delightful.
ReplyDeleteA very beautiful photo of a very useful plant.
ReplyDeletei'd love to use this photo on my website. CAn i purchase rights for it? I am a naturopathic doctor.
ReplyDelete