Borage

They can grow in full sun or light shade. They do best in a fairly rich, moist, well drained soil. In the tropics it can be grown in mountain regions. In Hobart Botanical gardens. It suits hardiness zones 5-10.
Also known as:
Bee bread, Boragine, Boretse, Boratsino, Borraga, Borrainas, Borraja, Bou cassal, Bou chenaf, Boukhrich, Bou krich, Bourrache, Bugloss, Burraccelle, Buragine, Cool-tankard, Foudelggem, Gabbuina, Harcha, Iles ouaral, Ligabuinna, Star Flower, Talewort, Tament, Tizizoua, Vurraine, Zdravilna boraga
Edible Portion
- Leaves, Herb, Spice, Flowers, Vegetable
Where does Borage grow?
Found in: Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Chile, China, Condo DR, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, East Africa, Europe, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Lebanon, Libya, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Morocco, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Pacific, Philippines, Portugal, SE Asia, Serbia, Sicily, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, Switzerland, Syria, Tasmania, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay, United States, Zimbabwe
Notes: There are 3 Borago species.
Status: It is a commercially cultivated vegetable.
Growing Borage
Cultivation: It is grown from seed. Seed are sown 12 mm deep. The taproot is easily damaged in transplanting. Plants drop seed easily and become self sown.
Edible Uses: The flowers and leaves are used to flavour liqueurs and summer drinks. The flowers are also sucked. The young leaves can be used in salads. They have a cucumber like flavour. They are also fried in batter. They are also stuffed like grape leaves. The older leaves are boiled and used in soups. They are also added to omelettes. They are used in pickles. CAUTION: It may not be wise to eat large amounts over a long time due to Pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
Production: It grows quickly. The leaves are normally used fresh. They can be used dried but must be dried quickly in a dry well ventilated place.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portionEdible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Leaves - raw | 21 | 1.8 | 3.3 | 420 | 35 | 0.2 | 93 |
Leaves - cooked | 25 | 2.1 | 3.6 | 438 | 32.5 | 0.2 | 92 |
Flowers | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Borage Photos
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