We have many, many borage plants not only flowering, but new ones popping up all the time. They really self seed everywhere but the seedings are easy to pull up to limit their numbers.
Just wish they weren't so uncomforatble to brush past or pick from. Despite using washing up rubber gloves to crumble the dried leaves, they still pricked me.
I have just discovered on my herbal tea making journey, that the smaller younger leaves and flowers can be used, with some caution as they contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Read up on them if you are worried.
However, as I only steep mine for 10 minutes and intend to only use once or twice a week, I think I should be okay. The flowers are gorgeous and useful in salads. Some countries eat them cooked in meals:
I was thoroughly amazed by the taste, very fresh and cucumber like. I have only used them fresh so far so will try some dried to see if the flavour is different.
UPDATE; Nowhere near so nice dried, more grassy than cucumber so will only use fresh as a treat!
Borage is a big big foe for me - it only has to brush me and I come out in a large red rash!! I leave it alone I'm afraid.
ReplyDeleteMe too! Wear thick gloves when I pick and once dried, the hairs are spear like and went through rubber gloves, another good reason for me not to dry them.
DeleteInteresting that the dried does not taste as nice as the fresh.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I was disappointed but as they are even more prickly once dried, it’s a good excuse not to do so.
DeleteThe flowerheads can be frozen as ice cubes to prettify drinks.
ReplyDeleteAnd are also a nice addition to salads as a garnish.
ReplyDeleteSuch pretty flowers - apparently there is ongoing research into the medicinal use of this plant, as it is believed to contain chemicals which could help those with Alzheimers and also MS.
ReplyDeleteLet’s hope so!
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