Borage officianalis is a flowering plant belonging to the Boraginaceae family of plants. The plant is characterised by star shaped blue flowers which give it its alternative name of the starflower plant. However, white and pink flowered alternatives also exist. Although native to the Meditarranean area it has been cultivated all over the world. In addition to being grown in gardens, borage officinalis is cultivated commercially for its oil, which is extracted from the seeds. The oil is rich in the omega-6 fat gamma linolenic acid, which has particular effects on the production of anti-inflammatory eicosanoids in humans. Borage can be cultivated as a food, and is reputed to taste a little like cucumber, and because of this is often used in salads. The flower has a sweet taste and can be used to decorate foods such as deserts. Drying the plant produces a herb that can be used as a garnish, or for its medicinal properties. In Europe borage is added to soups and in Germany is often made into a sauce as a condiment.
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