UK adult cover -- "Borage"

[kennymod]

No: HPFGUIDX 126746


Any context for Libalius Borage:  

All that I can find is that Borage is a herb, and found this basic 
info.  For some reason, I don't think HBP is going to be about 
making summer gin cocktails.  Though, the description below states 
that: "hardy annual has a messy, straggling habit."

Borage is a nutritious, tasty, and attractive herb. Leaves have a 
cucumbery flavor and can be used to accent salads or mixed with 
other greens and steamed. Stems can be peeled and chopped to use 
like celery. The edible flowers can be used as a garnish or in 
salads, and when candied they make a beautiful decoration for cakes 
and pastries. I grow borage as a companion to my tomatoes. They 
improve the health of my tomato plants, and I could swear the 
tomatoes taste better when borage grows nearby!

The bright blue, star-shaped flowers (which bloom most of the 
summer) make borage one of the prettiest herb plants, thought the 
dark green leaves are rather plain. The flavor of the leaves 
resembles that of cucumber. The plant will grow to a height of about 
18 inches, and spread about 12 inches. This hardy annual has a 
messy, straggling habit. It is a native of northern Europe, and 
grows well in the temperate regions of North America.
Cultivation
Borage is not a fussy plant, but the richer the soil, the bushier 
the plant will be. It prefers full sun, and needs protection from 
wind as it is easily blown over. Seeds can be sown throughout the 
season, and once growth is established, it will continue to seed 
itself. Place plants close together so they can support each other. 
A plant or two in an indoor pot will provide leaves all winter, but 
it will need lots of sun.
Borage is an excellent companion plant for tomatoes, squash and 
strawberries. The plant actually improves the flavor of tomatoes 
growing nearby.
Culinary Uses
•	Borage flowers and leaves are the traditional decoration for 
gin-based summer cocktails, and may be set in ice cubes to garnish 
other drinks.
•	The flowers and young leaves may be used to garnish salads. 
dips, and cucumber soups.
•	Candied borage flowers make attractive cake decorations.
•	Chopped leaves can be added to soups and stews during the 
last few minutes of cooking.
•	The leaves can be cooked with cabbage leaves (two parts 
cabbage, one part borage.)
•	Borage does not dry well for culinary use.
Medicinal Use
•	Because it is a tonic plant for the adrenal glands, borage 
provides an invaluable support for a stressful lifestyle. 
•	Borage is rich in minerals, especially potassium. 
•	A tea made with borage helps to reduce fevers and ease chest 
colds.
•	An infusion of borage acts as a galactogogue, promoting the 
production of milk in breastfeeding mothers.
Other Uses
•	Borage makes an excellent facial steam for improving very 
dry, sensitive skin.
•	The flowers may be dried to add color to potpourri.


"kennymod"