Borage
Bourrache
| Latin name | Borago officinalis |
|---|---|
| Family | Flowers |
| Origin | Mediterranean |
| Season (France) | May – August |
| Flavour | Fresh · Marine · Green · Delicate |
| Typical price (France) | 8–15 €/kg |
What it is
The leaf tastes startlingly of cucumber and oyster, which is why Ligurians stuff pansotti with it and the English drop the blue star flowers into summer drinks. Roman soldiers took it before battle, believing it gave courage.
In the kitchen
The leaves are covered in prickly hairs that soften only with cooking or fine chopping. Use the flowers raw and the leaves cooked.
Goes with
Ricotta Cucumber Lemon Olive oil Parmesan Egg Oyster Cream
In season alongside
Sweetfish (ayu) Chervil Cucumber Fresh green hazelnut Green almond Lettuce
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