Borage
Borage cut • Borago officinalis — cool, cucumber-like aroma
Borage—also called the “cucumber herb”—brings a fresh, green fragrance reminiscent of cucumber peel with mild herbal sweetness. Our cut, dried leaves are easy to use in salads, vegetable dishes and light sauces, adding springlike lift without overpowering other flavors.
| Botany | Borago officinalis • Family: Boraginaceae |
|---|---|
| Part used | leaves (dried, cut) |
| Profile | cool cucumber notes, mild herbality, soft green finish |
| Best for | salads, spinach dishes, potato salads, yogurt/cream sauces, eggs, fish |
Aroma & Taste
Delicate cucumber-like freshness with gentle herbal depth. Because the aroma is subtle, borage is ideal for cold or lightly cooked dishes where brightness is welcome.
Culinary Uses
| Category | How to use |
|---|---|
| Salads & bowls | Toss through leafy salads, grain bowls or tomato–cucumber salads. |
| Vegetables | Fold into spinach, peas or young potatoes just before serving. |
| Fish & eggs | Sprinkle over poached fish, omelettes or scrambled eggs. |
| Dips & sauces | Whisk into yogurt, sour cream or crème fraîche with lemon. |
| Herb blends | Mix with chives, dill and parsley for fresh green sauces. |
How to Use
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Add late/off-heat | Prolonged cooking mutes the cucumber notes. |
| Optional rehydration | Soak 5–10 min in cool water or milk; drain well before use. |
| Fresh ↔ dried guide | About 1 tsp dried ≈ 1 Tbsp fresh (adjust to taste). |
Dosage & Kitchen Ratios
| Use | Ratio / Amount |
|---|---|
| Salads & finishes | 1–2 tsp dried per 4 servings. |
| Yogurt dip (250 g) | 1–2 tsp dried, plus lemon and salt. |
| Vegetables / eggs | 1 tsp dried per 500 g veg or 4 eggs, added off-heat. |
Pairings
Cucumber, lemon zest/juice, dill, chives, parsley, mint; yogurt, crème fraîche, soft cheeses; potatoes, spinach, peas; white fish and poached chicken.
Ingredients & Allergens
Ingredients: Borage leaves (Borago officinalis), dried and cut.
Allergens: none mandatory in EN labeling for this single ingredient.
Storage & Shelf Life
Store airtight, cool, dry and away from light. Best within 12–18 months. Reseal promptly after use to preserve aroma.
Substitutes & Notes
Closest swaps: dill (more intense), chervil or a mix of parsley + a few diced cucumber peels for similar freshness.
FAQ
Does borage taste like cucumber?
Yes—its hallmark is a cool cucumber-like aroma with mild herb notes.
Can I cook borage?
Light heat is fine, but add near the end; long cooking dulls its fresh character.
Do I need to soak dried borage?
Not required; a brief soak softens texture for dips and cold sauces.
Merchant contact: Orlandosidee — Spice Shop (see site imprint for full company details). Email: info(at)orlandosidee.de