Borage Microgreens
At our organic farm in Arlington, VA, we grow and harvest borage microgreens and deliver them fresh, sometimes along with the borage plant’s stunning, edible flowers - together, they have many culinary and health benefits.
What are borage microgreens?
Borage microgreens are young borage plants, grown in soil, harvested right when the first leaves emerge. If left to mature, this annual herbaceous plant will grow hairy stems with bright green fuzzy leaves, and flowers that are blue (although sometimes white or pink) and start-shaped.
Borage microgreens have a mild, refreshing flavor with hints of cucumber and melon. The texture of borage microgreens is tender and crisp, similar to other leafy microgreens, and they have a delicate crunch that adds a pleasant contrast to salads and other dishes. When fresh, borage microgreens have a subtle, fresh aroma reminiscent of cucumber and other garden greens.
Borage flowers have a delicate, mild flavor with subtle hints of cucumber as well; they are slightly sweet and refreshing. Edible flowers, like borage flowers, add beauty and nutrition to your meals and drinks. The fresh, pleasant flavor of borage flowers makes them a versatile ingredient in culinary creations.
How to prepare borage microgreens
Borage microgreens and their flowers are versatile in the kitchen. Their cucumber flavor is refreshing and pairs well with sweet and savory dishes. Here are some ways to prepare borage microgreens and flowers:
Chopped microgreens: Finely chopped microgreens will add a bright, unique cucumber/melon flavor and beautiful green color to fruit and potato salads. You can also make a dip by folding them into a soft cheese, or make salad dressing.
Steeping borage microgreens and flowers: Simply add these micros or flowers to a pitcher of water and make a spa-like beverage with a hint of cucumber and melon flavor.
Borage flower ice cubes or infused oils: You can use edible flowers to make beautiful, refreshing ice cubes or infused oil.
Borage microgreens health benefits
Borage microgreens and their flowers offer an easy way to add a nutrient boost to your meals. They are high in vitamins, like C, B, and K, and contain essential minerals like calcium and potassium. Here are some more benefits from eating these delicious micros:
Vitamin C not only helps your immune system, it also helps stimulate collagen production so your skin looks healthy and youthful.
Consuming microgreens, like borage, can help your digestion. Their fiber content supports regular bowel movements, aids in nutrient absorption, and contributes to a healthy gut microbiome.
Borage contains essential fatty acids that not only help with inflammation in the body, but also support hormone balance and healthy cells.
Borage facts
Borage is part of a family of flowering plants that includes forget-me-nots and comfrey.
Borage has several common names including bee-bread, ox’s tongue, and starflower,
As mentioned, borage is a great companion plant as it attracts pollinators like bees. It can also improve the flavor of neighboring plants.
In folklore, borage brings courage and dispels sadness, which is why in medieval times the flowers were used in drinks to give knights courage before going to battle.
Borage was used for more than just culinary and medicinal purposes throughout history. Its flowers were used to flavor wine and to dye textiles. Borage has also been cultivated as a fodder crop for livestock due to its high nutritional value.
