Borage

This exquisite flower is from a borage plant in my herb garden. Borage is an annual herb that is easily grown from seed.

The borage leaves are prized in Italy as an edible green and used often in ravioli fillings. I'm working on a ravioli recipe using the greens and if it turns out as I expect, I'll share that recipe with you soon. But in the meantime, I'll use the flowers to decorate salads, tea sandwiches, and flavor water. The flowers, which taste like cucumber, are the first flower I usually give to someone if they have never tried an edible flower before. They are always a delightful surprise to the taster.

But you do have to be careful with these beauties. Borage should never be consumed in large quantities because it contains a compound which may cause liver damage in some individuals. Never give it to children, anyone with a compromised immune system or liver problems, or the elderly.

In the Summer Recipes Section, you'll find a recipe for my non-alcoholic take on a Pimm's Cup Cocktail using borage flowers as a flavoring. A lovely drink to enjoy on this first day of summer 2008.