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Seed | Borage Officinalis
  • Seed | Borage Officinalis
Seed | Borage Officinalis

Seed | Borage Officinalis

$3.99 CAD
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Borage seeds (Borago officinalis) are grown for their edible, starry-blue flowers and medicinal properties. This annual plant attracts pollinators, enriches the soil, and makes an ideal companion in the vegetable garden.
A LITTLE HISTORY

Origins and Distribution: Borage is a plant traditionally cultivated for its medicinal and culinary uses. It has been known since ancient times and was particularly valued by the Greeks and Romans. It is believed that the Romans introduced it to regions of Northern Europe where it became naturalized.

  • Medicinal Uses: In traditional medicine, borage has been used to treat various disorders, including respiratory conditions, skin inflammation, and as a diuretic and general tonic. Its leaves and flowers are consumed for their medicinal properties.
  • Culinary: In cooking, young borage leaves have a fresh, slightly bitter taste that is often used as a flavoring herb in salads, soups, and sauces. Borage flowers are also edible and are used to garnish dishes or flavor beverages such as wine.
  • Symbolism and Tradition: Historically, borage was associated with bravery and courage. Medieval knights consumed borage before battle to give them strength and courage, hence its name derived from the Latin word “burra,” meaning “courage.”

Today: Borage is still grown in gardens as an ornamental plant and aromatic herb. It is valued for its beauty with its starry blue flowers and for its health benefits.

  • Modern Uses of Borage
    Infusion: Borage leaves and flowers are used to prepare soothing and revitalizing infusions.

Culinary: Young leaves can be added raw to salads or cooked in dishes such as soups and stews.

  • Cosmetics: Borage oil extracted from the seeds is used in cosmetics for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties.

In summary, borage is a plant that has survived the centuries, valued for its medicinal, culinary, and symbolic qualities. It continues to be a valuable part of European herbal and culinary heritage, while being rediscovered for its diverse uses around the world.
PROPERTIES

Borage (Borago officinalis) is renowned for its many medicinal properties that are beneficial to health. Here are some of its main properties:

  • Anti-inflammatory: Borage leaves and flowers contain natural anti-inflammatory compounds, such as essential fatty acids (especially gamma-linolenic acid or GLA). This makes it a traditional remedy for reducing inflammation in the body.
  • Immune System Booster: Borage is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help strengthen the immune system by fighting free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative damage.
  • Skin Benefits: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties and GLA content, borage oil is used in cosmetics to soothe irritated skin, reduce acne, and improve skin hydration.
  • Positive effects on heart health: Borage may help lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation, which can support cardiovascular health.
  • Diuretic effect: It helps increase urine production, which can be beneficial in removing toxins from the body and supporting kidney health.
  • Antispasmodic Properties: Borage is traditionally used to relieve muscle spasms and cramps.

Use and Precautions

  • Infusion: Prepare an infusion by steeping dried leaves and flowers in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink one cup daily to benefit from its properties.
  • Borage Oil: The oil extracted from borage seeds is used as a dietary supplement or topically for its benefits to the skin.

Precautions: Although borage is generally considered safe when used in food quantities, some people may experience allergic reactions. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before using borage for medicinal purposes, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have pre-existing medical conditions.

In summary, borage is a versatile plant with varied medicinal applications, supported by centuries of traditional use and modern research into its active components.
HOW TO COOK?

Besides salad, here are some other traditional ways to use borage in cooking, with an emphasis on its edible flowers:

Recipes with Borage Flowers

  • Borage Flower Fritters
    Ingredients :

Fresh borage flowers
Doughnut batter (prepared from flour, eggs, milk or water, yeast, salt)
Vegetable oil for frying
Powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions :

Prepare the donut batter by mixing the flour, eggs, milk or water, yeast and salt until you get a smooth, thick batter.
Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Gently dip each borage flower into the batter, making sure to coat each flower well.
Fry the coated borage flowers in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
Remove them from the oil and drain them on absorbent paper.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving if desired.

  • Borage Flower Soup
    Ingredients :

Fresh borage flowers
Vegetable or chicken broth
Potatoes, carrots, onions (diced)
Crème fraîche (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh herbs such as parsley or dill (for garnish)
Instructions :

Prepare your vegetable or chicken broth in a saucepan.
Add the diced vegetables and cook until tender.
Add the washed and drained borage flowers to the soup and simmer for a few minutes until just tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For a creamy touch, add a little crème fraîche before serving.
Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill.

  • Borage Flower Jam
    Ingredients :

Fresh borage flowers
Sugar
Water
Lemon juice
Instructions :

Place the borage flowers in a saucepan with just enough water to cover them.
Bring to a boil and simmer for a few minutes until the flowers are tender.
Drain the flowers well and reserve the liquid.
Measure the same volume of sugar as the reserved liquid.
Add the sugar, reserved liquid and a squeeze of lemon juice to a clean saucepan.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently until the mixture thickens into a jam.
Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars and seal them tightly.

These recipes showcase the delicacy and subtle flavor of borage flowers, while exploring creative ways to incorporate them into traditional cuisine. Whether in fritters, soup, or jam, borage offers a unique and enjoyable taste experience.
HOW TO GROW?

Our seeds are vigorous, open-pollinated and adapted to the Quebec climate.

  • Species: Borago Officinalis
  • Sowing: Early March indoors, early April under cover outdoors or sow broadcast on the surface to cultivate outdoors in spring mid-May
  • Seeds: 10-15 seeds per pot, final transplanting into an outdoor pot or soil around mid-May
  • Sowing depth: 1 cm
  • Germination time: 8-21 days|
  • Soil: Poor, humus-rich, loose and drained
  • Location: Sun and tolerates shade and cold very well
  • Spacing between plants 25-30 cm
  • Height at maturity: 85-91 cm
  • Maturity: 48-50 days | Annual
  • Seed per envelope: +/- 40
    Our seeds are guaranteed for the year of purchase.

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