Borage is grown for commercial, culinary and medicinal uses. Borage seed oil extremely rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is extracted from its seeds. It is marketed as ‘starflower oil’ or ‘borage oil’ for use as a GLA supplement.
The flavor of borage leaves is similar to cucumber and they are often used in salads and soups. The flowers have a sweet honey-like taste. They may be used to garnish salads and to decorate desserts and cocktails. They are also found candied for cake decorations or made into sweet syrups.