Often planted as a cover crop or livestock forage and found growing in nearby pastures and open fields, red clover is easy to identify by its flowers. The pinkish-purple, ball-shaped blossoms are composed of many tiny, tubular flowers — each filled with nectar. Picked in full bloom and dried whole, red clover tops retain some of their color and lend a floral sweetness to any preparation.
Red clover tops are nutrient dense and have a mild vanilla-like flavor and floral aroma that may be added to salads, herbal vinegars, baked goods, and teas. The flowers are also lovely in potpourris and herbal displays.
Red clover is a rich source of isoflavones, compounds that behave somewhat like estrogen. Because of the similarity, red clover may provide some relief from menopausal discomforts but should also be used with caution due to potential hormonal effects.
