Various clover varieties are grown on large areas in some parts of Europe as fodder crops for cattle and other livestock. However, many gardeners do not know that clover can also be used by humans as food and medicine.
Some types of clover are also edible for humans
Use the clover in the kitchen
The white and red clover (or meadow clover) can be used equally for human consumption. However, you should know why agricultural livestock sometimes show symptoms of poisoning when feeding large or wet amounts of clover: the oxalic acid content in clover is roughly comparable to that of chard, rhubarb and spinach. Therefore, you should not consume the clover in excess and too often, but rather use it to refine certain dishes:
- the fresh, pickled or dried flowers as a decorative part of the meal
- the leaves fresh or heated as an ingredient in salads and vegetable mixes
- the fresh or germinated seeds
Positive effects of clover on health
The clover (especially the red clover) has been used as a medicinal plant for a very long time, as it is said to have the following positive effects:
- against inflammation of the mucous membranes (external use)
- alleviating diarrhea and chronic bronchitis
- blood purifying effect
- relieves loss of appetite
- alleviates gout and rheumatism
The isoflavones contained in red clover are also said to alleviate the health problems caused by falling estrogen levels in women going through the menopause. Recently, clover has also been used as a component of natural cosmetics, as it is said to reduce wrinkles and have a rejuvenating effect.
Use the sorrel as a healthy food
Wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) is basically edible and has a refreshingly sour taste. You should only eat wood sorrel in moderation, as it also contains a relatively large amount of oxalic acid and can be toxic if consumed in excess. The plant, often referred to as wood sorrel, grows in mixed forests with loamy and clay soils up to 2,000 meters above sea level. From April to June, the white flowers can be harvested and used as an edible decoration. For regular use in the kitchen, you can also grow wood wood sorrel in pots in a shady spot in the garden.
tips
You can often collect small amounts of clover in the wild with the consent of the responsible landowner. But pay attention to where exactly you harvest the clover for consumption. After all, the edges of many feeding meadows along footpaths in this country are often affected by dog excrement.