Borage

Description:

This herb has cucumber-flavored leaves and edible blue flowers, adding a unique touch to salads and drinks.

Nutritional Highlights:

Contains vitamin C and potassium.

Storage:

• Optimal Storage: Store fresh borage in a loose plastic bag or a reusable, perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator's crisper drawer for up to a week. Perforation allows for some air circulation while maintaining necessary humidity.
• Avoid washing borage until just before use to prevent excess moisture, which can lead to spoilage.

Cooking Tips:

We use borage leaves in salads or as a garnish. The flowers are lovely in cocktails or frozen in ice cubes.

Recipe Inspiration:

• Borage Lemonade: https://www.irisandhoney.com/2017/07/06/refreshing-borage-lemonade/  (Iris and Honey)
• Borage Gin and Tonic:https://wherearethechickens.com/2020/07/27/borage-and-gin/ (Where are the Chickens?)

Extending the Harvest:

1. Drying:
   • Harvest borage leaves and flowers on a dry day.
   • Lay them out in a single layer on a drying rack or a clean cloth in a well-ventilated, shaded area.
   • Alternatively, use a dehydrator set to a low temperature.
   • Once fully dried, store the leaves and flowers in airtight containers.
2. Infused Oils or Vinegars:
   • Infuse borage leaves into oils or vinegars for long-term storage and flavor.
   • Gently heat the oil or vinegar with the borage leaves, then strain and store in a sealed container.
3. Freezing Flowers in Ice Cubes:
   • This is already mentioned in the cooking tips, but it is a great way to save the flowers.
   • Place the flowers in ice cube trays, fill with water, and freeze.
   • These ice cubes add a decorative and flavorful touch to drinks.