White Clover Tea – How to Brew Tea from Clover Flowers

When my daughter came running in the house with a cup overflowing with white clover flowers, we just had to find out if there was a use for them! I’ve never eaten white clover plants before (that I can remember), and I was delighted to find out that not only can you totally eat them, but they’re full of health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and relieving joint pain.

Where we live in Michigan, clover grows everywhere. You start to not even notice after seeing it in what seems like every patch of grass. As tea lovers, we were totally excited to find out that white clover tea is both full of medicinal properties and tastes delicious, too! So go outside and collect a small handful of these little flowers and brew a cup of herbal tea with us! 

Can You Eat Clover?

Yes! Not only is clover edible, but these medicinal plants have all sorts of vitamins, minerals, and other immune-boosting properties. Both red clover and white clover is delicious when brewed as an herbal tea. You can also use both the blooms and the leaves in salads, or make your own clover jelly. 

Most of us know that bees love clover (clover honey, anyone?), but this simple, common ground cover plant is excellent for human consumption, too! 

Just keep in mind eating clover that’s been sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals is not a great idea. Your safest bet is to find clover in your own yard (as long as you know it hasn’t been sprayed with anything.) If you can’t find any in your yard, make sure you ask before picking clover in other areas.

Health Benefits of Clover

Clover is an herbal remedy that’s been used for centuries to boost the immune system, help with joint pain and wound healing, and treat cold symptoms. It’s also been used as a blood purifier and is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, A, B, and E, along with magnesium, potassium, chromium, and calcium.

White clover originally came over from Europe. Now, it’s commonly found all over North America, including Canada and the United States (Alaska and Hawaii, too!). 

Not only is clover very beneficial for human health, but if you’re looking for cover crops, it’s also an excellent choice due to its resilient nature and nitrogen production, erosion protection, and more!

Types of clover

White clover (Trifolium Repens) and red clover (Trifolium Pratense) are the most common types that you’ll find in lawns. Other common species of clovers include crimson clover (Trifolium Incarnatum) and strawberry clover (Trifolium Fragiferum).

Although red clover is known to have even more health benefits than white clover, the small white flowers of the hardy white clover plant tend to be the most common species in the United States. 

How to Harvest Clover

Clover is easy to identify. Just look for the traditional, three-leaf green plants and the red or white clover blossoms that come along with them! (Or perhaps you’ll find some four-leaf clovers on your search!)

To harvest clover flowers, look for healthy, fully-bloomed flowers that aren’t turning brown or wilting. Then, just pick or cut them and pile them in a cup or basket! 

Again, it’s important to make sure that you’re only harvesting clover from yards and other areas that haven’t been sprayed with pesticides or chemicals. 

Fresh Vs. Dried Clover 

You can eat clover either fresh or dried! The benefit of fresh clover is that it’s so easy to just pick and enjoy. But, of course, if you dry it, you can enjoy it for months to come!

We tried both! 

For tea, the taste was virtually the same, except that you don’t have to use quite as much of the dried flowers (or if you do, you’ll just get a bit stronger brew).

If you want to dry your clover flowers, simply place them on a screen or well-ventilated area for a few days. Alternatively, you could use a food dehydrator on low heat. I placed ours in a wicker basket that had plenty of holes for airflow, but they were small enough to not allow the blossoms to fall through.

After your clover is dried, store it in an airtight glass jar. 

What Does White Clover Tea Taste Like?

As someone who enjoys tea but is no tea-tasting professional, I think clover tea tastes slightly sweet but also earthy and at the same time somewhat bitter, almost like a hint of radish? I know that doesn’t sound incredibly appealing, but my kids and I all love the taste! Some people say it has a hint of vanilla. 

If your yard is teeming with white clove flowers like ours is, just grab about 10 flowers, heat some water, and give it a try yourself! You can always add sweeteners too if you like. 

White Clover Tea Recipe

White clover may be the easiest plant I’ve foraged yet. It’s simple to identify, quick to harvest, and packed with nutrients, so there’s no reason not to give it a try! 

1. First, start by harvesting a handful of white clover blossoms. You’ll only need about 1/4 cup of white clover blossoms, or around 15-20 flowers to make a cup of tea. (If you’re using dried blossoms, about 2 tablespoons of flowers will do.) As long as you know that the lawn is chemical-free and your blossoms aren’t dirty or grassy, there’s really no need to wash them.
   
2. Second, heat 16oz (2 cups) of water and pour it over your fresh clover flowers.
3. Let the tea steep for about 5 minutes. Then, strain the flowers out.
   
4. If desired, add honey or another sweetener.
5. Enjoy! 

This recipe is for hot tea, but iced clover tea is wonderful, too! To make iced clover tea, simply cut the hot water in half, then, after steeping, pour over 1 cup of ice cubes.

Other delicious twists to enjoy white clover tea: Try adding some fresh mint or lemon balm! 

FAQs About Using Clover

When is the best time to pick clover?

Clover flowers generally bloom in the summer through early fall, depending on the type of clover. If you’re going to dry your clover blossoms, the best time to pick is in the mid-to-late morning, after the dew has evaporated but before the hottest part of the day. For most herbs, this is the time of day when you’ll get the best flavor.

Where does clover usually grow?

Clover is an incredibly hardy plant that grows almost anywhere. Most clovers love full sun and white clover grows especially well in clay and silt soils. 

If you’re looking for clover to harvest and enjoy, keep your eyes open in lawns, parks, and other grassy spots. If you find a green, sunny spot, it’s likely you’ll find some clover there! 

Just make sure you have permission to harvest wherever you are. And don’t forget to double check that the lawn hasn’t been sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals. 

Can you plant your own clover?

Absolutely! There are tons of benefits to planting your own clover. Not only does consuming clover have lots of health benefits, but this hardy plant has lots of benefits for your property, too. 

Clover attracts pollinators and other insects, protects and enhances your soil, and creates a very drought-hardy lawn compared to traditional grass, even in seasons of little rain. 

The best time to plant white clover seeds is in the spring, but in many climates it can also be planted in the late summer.

What other herbs can you forage for tea?

Some of our favorite herbs and plants to forage for tea making and other recipes include mint, chamomile, and dandelions. Check out some of our favorite easy recipes below:

• How to Make Fresh Chamomile Tea
• How to Make Your Own Mint Tea
• Spinach Dandelion Green Smoothie

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