Borago Officinalis, or Starflower is a mid-sized herb with 5-pointed bright blue flowers. It is native to much of Europe. The leaves are edible and taste like cucumber, while the flowers are often dri
Yes! The older leaves grow hairs on them, so people tend to cook them in soups or stews to soften it up and make the texture less evident. Its a very interesting herb overall.
I've actually tasted some of these flowers on cupcakes before. I definitely could taste some kind of cucumber-like flavor, but it was slightly different.
Yeah the cucumber taste is why people tend to use a more neutrally flavored flower for edible decor. Although, there are some dessert flavors that I think go really well with it, like blueberry. The color is the major draw though. They really are beautiful.
Flashback to the past, thank you! My dad used to put the flowers on mixed salads in the past. Very interesting taste, enhancing the salad experience quite a bit for young me.
16 Comments
MadWorks@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 3y
Weirdly beautiful but bizarre looking. So interesting that is actually edible.
ClimbingBunny@kbin.social · 1 pts · 3y
Yes! The older leaves grow hairs on them, so people tend to cook them in soups or stews to soften it up and make the texture less evident. Its a very interesting herb overall.
MadWorks@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 3y
Do you know if this plant is commonly used in recipies/cooking in Europe?
ClimbingBunny@kbin.social · 1 pts · 3y
I know its a common herb to add to soups and other dishes in Germany, but I don't know much about the cuisines of the surrounding countries.
MadWorks@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 3y
I would love to try it someday. Hopefully I can visit Germany in the nearish future.
Brimelle@kbin.social · 3 pts · 3y
I've actually tasted some of these flowers on cupcakes before. I definitely could taste some kind of cucumber-like flavor, but it was slightly different.
ClimbingBunny@kbin.social · 2 pts · 3y
Yeah the cucumber taste is why people tend to use a more neutrally flavored flower for edible decor. Although, there are some dessert flavors that I think go really well with it, like blueberry. The color is the major draw though. They really are beautiful.
1sthorn@kbin.social · 1 pts · 3y
I want to order some of these now. Its so nice to decorate with colorful flowers. Its so fun to say you ate a flower as well.
ClimbingBunny@kbin.social · 1 pts · 3y
Right! You should totally go for it! They're a really colorful addition to a plate.
1sthorn@kbin.social · 1 pts · 3y
I should. I'll post it if I actually end up doing it.
Cobrachicken@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 3y
Flashback to the past, thank you! My dad used to put the flowers on mixed salads in the past. Very interesting taste, enhancing the salad experience quite a bit for young me.
ClimbingBunny@kbin.social · 1 pts · 3y
That's amazing! I'd imagine they'd add a great pop of color to a salad.
Cobrachicken@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 3y
Color, taste and texture. Decided I'll try to source some for the garden - and future salads ;-)
HeartyBeast@kbin.social · 2 pts · 3y
Careful - don’t confuse it with comfrey which is common, looks quite similar but is hairier and tastes foul https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphytum