Ah, the delightful borage! Imagine a sun-drenched day in the Dutch countryside, fields stretching out, and the promise of something truly magical to harvest. We’re talking about that enchanting, slightly fuzzy plant adorned with star-shaped, sapphire-blue flowers and a fresh, subtly saline, cucumber-like flavour. And the best part? You can pick it yourself at several wonderful farms across the Netherlands!

There’s an undeniable charm to a ‘pick-your-own’ adventure, especially when it comes to borage. Whether you’re seeking a moment of solo tranquility amidst nature, or orchestrating a delightful outing with giggling friends and family, the experience is pure joy. Kids especially love discovering the unique, fuzzy texture of the leaves and marveling at those brilliant blue blossoms – it’s like a real-life treasure hunt for edible gems! You get to breathe in the fresh air, feel the sun on your skin, and return home with a basket brimming with vibrant green and blue. It’s not just about the plant; it’s about making cherished memories, connecting with nature, and the sheer delight of bringing your own delicious harvest home.

Bringing Your Borage Bounty Home: Uses & Ideas!

So, you’ve got your beautiful borage haul – now what? This versatile herb is a true culinary chameleon, eager to lend its fresh, slightly briny, cucumber-esque notes to a multitude of dishes and drinks. And those stunning blue flowers? Oh, they’re not just pretty faces!

For the Eye: Decorative Delights (Flowers)

Let’s start with those captivating flowers. They are absolute showstoppers! Gently pluck them and scatter them over salads for an instant pop of colour, garnish desserts (they look incredible on a lemon tart or cheesecake!), or float them in a bowl of water as a charming, natural centerpiece. Imagine them delicately placed on frosted cupcakes, adorning a festive charcuterie board, or frozen into ice cubes for a stunning drink presentation – pure edible elegance!

For the Palate: Culinary Creations (Leaves & Flowers)

The young, tender leaves of borage are best, offering that distinct refreshing flavour. The flowers are milder and sweeter.

1. Recipe: Refreshing Borage & Feta Salad This vibrant salad lets the fresh flavour of borage truly shine!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh borage leaves (young, chopped)
  • 1 large cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, very thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • A handful of borage flowers for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, gently combine the chopped borage leaves, diced cucumber, and sliced red onion.
  2. Add the crumbled feta cheese.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.
  5. Serve immediately, garnished with a generous sprinkling of beautiful borage flowers.

2. Recipe: Creamy Borage & Ricotta Crostini A sophisticated yet simple appetizer perfect for sharing!

Ingredients:

  • 1 baguette, sliced diagonally and toasted until golden
  • 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh borage leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Borage flowers for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped borage leaves, lemon zest, and minced garlic (if using).
  2. Stir in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Generously spread the borage-ricotta mixture onto each toasted baguette slice.
  4. Arrange the crostini on a serving platter. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
  5. Garnish each crostini with a few borage flowers for an elegant touch. Serve immediately.

For the Soul: Herbal Elixirs (Herb)

Recipe: Soothing Borage & Mint Iced Tea Perfect for a warm afternoon, this tea is incredibly refreshing and calming.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh borage leaves
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 4 cups hot water (just off the boil)
  • Honey or your preferred sweetener, to taste (optional)
  • Lemon slices and borage flowers, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Place the borage leaves and mint leaves in a heatproof pitcher or teapot.
  2. Pour the hot water over the herbs. Let steep for 10-15 minutes, or longer for a stronger flavour.
  3. Strain the tea into another pitcher, discarding the spent herbs.
  4. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
  5. Sweeten with honey if desired. Serve over ice with fresh lemon slices and a few borage flowers for a beautiful presentation.

For a Zing: Cocktail Concoctions!

Recipe: The “Starflower Sparkler” (Borage Gin Fizz) Borage adds a wonderful, subtle green note and a beautiful garnish to this classic cocktail.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz gin (a classic London Dry works beautifully)
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 0.75 oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved)
  • 3-4 fresh borage leaves
  • Soda water, to top
  • Borage flowers, for garnish
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the borage leaves to release their flavour.
  2. Add the gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and fill the shaker with ice.
  3. Shake well until thoroughly chilled (about 15-20 seconds).
  4. Double strain (using a fine mesh sieve along with your shaker’s strainer) into a chilled highball or Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
  5. Top with soda water.
  6. Garnish with one or two beautiful borage flowers floating on top. Sip and enjoy the star-studded refreshment!

So, next time you’re craving a unique and delightful experience in the Netherlands, seek out a farm where you can pick your own borage. It’s an adventure for the senses, and a fantastic way to bring a touch of natural beauty and fresh flavour into your home!