Whilst autumn is a great time for making beverages from berries, at this time of year it's all about the flowers. Our groups are becoming really tuned in to the potential of wild flowers as a food source. Over the past few weeks we have been able to enjoy the savoury delights of garlic mustard and ransoms, but this week we were in search of something a little sweeter.
The patchwork of red clover is looking particularly resplendent right now and is providing a valuable source of nectar for bees.
Red clover is prized in natural medicine for its reputed benefits including improving blood circulation and reducing clots to lowering cholesterol. It is also a source of nutrients including calcium, potassium and vitamin C.
As the weather warms, our minds have been turning away from hot chocolate and towards cooling alternatives. With this in mind, Friday's group decided they would collect some red clover blossoms to have a go at making red clover lemonade. The recipe is very simple so why not try it yourself.
On our walk to the woods, we pass sweeping verges dotted with a wide array of flora from nettles, vetch and forget-me-knots to sorrel and red clover.
The patchwork of red clover is looking particularly resplendent right now and is providing a valuable source of nectar for bees.
Red clover is prized in natural medicine for its reputed benefits including improving blood circulation and reducing clots to lowering cholesterol. It is also a source of nutrients including calcium, potassium and vitamin C.
The leaves and the flowers of the clover are edible and are a great addition to salads. As with all foraged ingredients, ensure you collect them from an area that is not polluted by car fumes or industry, be sure to leave some for the bees and always wash them well before using.
As the weather warms, our minds have been turning away from hot chocolate and towards cooling alternatives. With this in mind, Friday's group decided they would collect some red clover blossoms to have a go at making red clover lemonade. The recipe is very simple so why not try it yourself.
Red Clover Lemonade
You will need:
- A few handfuls of red clover blossoms
- The juice of 2 or 3 lemons
- 3 teaspoons of honey
- A cup of water
- Sparkling water to dilute
Cover the blossoms with water
Bring to the boil and boil for around 5 minutes
Strain the boiling liquor in to a bowl
Mix in the honey and lemon juice (taste the mixture and add more lemon or honey to suit your preference) and allow to cool.
The concentrate can be stored like this and diluted with still or sparkling water later or you can dilute it and bottle it now in a sterilized bottle. I added sparkling water to mine.
I would love to make some, Great idea,
ReplyDeleteOn Monday, My Year 3 group volunteered to try out our first batch of Red Clover Lemonade. Reactions were varied.
ReplyDeleteMost of the group liked that it was sparkling but Raynah said she would prefer it to be still.
Saad liked the sourness of the lemon but the rest of the group said they would like it to have more honey in to make it taste sweeter.
The beauty of making your own produce is that your can tailor it to suit your own preferences.