How to Dry or Dehydrate Red Clover
Red Clover can be dried to preserve it for later use. Herbal tea is a wonderful way to use dried red clover. Dried red clover blossoms are frequently found in health food stores, however, these dried blossoms are often overly brown and lack potency. To maximize the benefits and potency of red clover follow the following steps to dry them.
Instructions
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Harvest Red Clover Blossoms
Red clover can be harvested May through early September throughout the United States. Pick the clover blossoms when they are bright purple, before they begin to brown.
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Rinse the Red Clover Blossoms
Rinse the red clover blossoms. Drain them well in a strainer.
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Drying and Dehydrating the Clover Blossoms
Immediately after rinsing and draining the water from the blossoms, lay them out on a flat surface where air can easily circulate around them. They should be stored in an area without sunlight that is between 85 and 95 degrees. Sunlight will brown the blossoms and deteriorate their nutritional and medicinal value. Allow the red clover blossoms to dry in this area for 48 hours.
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Storing Red Clover Blossoms
After 48 hours have passed, check the red clover blossoms to ensure they are completely dry. Store them in an air tight container and label the red clover blossoms with the contents and date of preservation. Well dried clover blossoms retain their beautiful purple hue!
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Tips & Warnings
For more information on the health benefits of Red Clover Blossoms see the resource section below.
Dry or dehydrate the red clover blossoms immediately after harvesting for best results.
The clover plant can be used as well. Traditionally, clover leaves and stems were dried and ground to prepare a nutritious flour.
Do not harvest red clover from the sides of highways and well used roads, as they may be polluted.
Ideally, the blossoms will be harvested from an area that has not been treated or sprayed with pesticides, herbicide, or fertilizers.
Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.madabouthealth.com
