02 Feb 2011
Bar Bar’s Herb of the Month!
In summer we are planting and eating:
Borage (Borago officinales)
These pictures are from my first Borage (Komkommerkruid in Afrikaans) harvest this year. After a never ending search for some seeds these ones just sprouted from nowhere in my seed bed and as soon as I recognised the hairy leaves and small flower buds I nursed it into a big and mighty flowering purple shower.
Since ancient times Borage has been associated with euphoria and courage! It has a purple star like flower and is an important addition to any herb garden as it encourages fruiting for strawberries, keeps away tomato worms from your tomatoes and is a good soil improver and addition to compost as it brings forth potassium, silica and calcium.
Borage contains a rare substance called Gammalinolenic acid (GLA) which is very effective in assisting the cardiovascular system. Infusing the leaves and flowers in boiling water with a wedge of lemon and honey is excellent for relieving stress and uplifts you when dealing with grief, anxiety and depression. I have tried this and it is delicious and does the thing!
The young leaves and flowers are edible and tastes like cucumber. I remetmber with fondness my mother and sister growing and harvesting these in the herb garden at Long street 35 in Ficskburg where I spent most of my child hood. These flowers created and absolute excitement in a salad and I have been told it is the only way to make a real English Pimms and lemonade! We include the recipe for our take on Pimms and Lemonade in a Consol Jar at Bar Bar Black Sheep.
Pimms and Lemonade Bar Bar!
A stunning visual spring and summer drink. You are sure to impress with this one!
In a Consol jar or a big jug combine a combination of fresh fruit.
We use: Strawberries, blueberries, orange, lemon, cucumber, mint and borage flowers. Layer this with ice, lemonade and two shots of Pimms or 200ml when using a big jug. Garnish with fresh berries and more flowers. For an extra kick add an extra shot of Gin.
Bottoms up!
