Clover - is it edible?

[sparkplug]

I was told that clover is edible, I even tried a little nibble and it tasted quite nice - it reminded me a bit of raw peas.

I thought I'd ask here before having a big plateful though

Thanks!

 

[Cyclingrelf]

I don't know about the leaves, but I certainly used to suck the nectar out of the flowers on red clover when I was little. Also, I believe the flowers are good whole in salads or with a tempura batter and dip.

 

[John Fenna]

I have eaten and enjoyed Red Clover in Salads - be aware though that it is used in Herbal Medicine to treat Ladies Hormonal Problems...so too much may not be such a good thing!

 

[campster]

Not sure - ive only eaten red clover too which is nice.

 

[Night Phoenix]

You can make a rather nice wine out of red clovers.
There is a recipe for it in Roger Phillips "Wild Food"

 

[sparkplug]

Thanks to all for the helpful reassurance. I like the sound of trying to make wine from it! I'll probably start with a salad though.

I've had a web trawl and it would seem that white clover is also edible.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have some foraging to do

 

[slowworm]

In your trawl did you stumble across PFAF? Always worth a look for plant info, here's what it says about red and white clover:

http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Trifolium+pratense
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Trifolium+repens

 

[sparkplug]

No, I didn't slowworm - thank you very much for that, it looks like a very useful site

 

[slowworm]

'Tis indeed a very useful site. They also publish a book that's very useful especially if you're interested in growing some of your own plants.

http://www.pfaf.org/book.php

I've no connection with the etc.