Borage

Borago officinalis

flower · leaf

Blue star-shaped flowers and young hairy leaves of an annual common in Europe; the leaves cooked or in fritters, the flowers raw. 100 g of leaves provide 93 mg of calcium, 3 mg of iron and 35 mg of vitamin C.

Origin

Mediterranean

Season (United States)

May to September · grows in your region

Preparation

Its leaves contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which harm the liver as they build up: in small amounts, not every day, and not during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The flowers carry far less.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Mucilages · Anthocyanins

Did you know?

Its flower has a sweet, honey-like taste: it is set on desserts and cocktails, or frozen into ice cubes.