Foraging.

Wow, is that a word with a lot of meanings to it or what?

I know when I used to think of the word “foraging” it sounded suspiciously like the word RUMMAGING…as in rummaging through a dumpster looking for food.

Or perhaps the word RAVAGING..you know like a ravaging horde that destroys everything, leaving nothing in its path?

It took me a few years, a lot of learning how amazing the Creation around us is, and how so many things that we are yearly surrounded by can benefit our bodies, hearts, and souls if we simply take the time to stop and listen instead of running around from one thing to another. Would you agree with me? I have tried to make the Welcoming House a blog where people can come to learn about many things, but also to give you pictures and insights into things that will bless your hearts and minds as well.

So, today we are going to talk about why our family forages for red clover every year, among other items that just grow in the wild. It is something that is fun, and enjoyable, and gets you out in the sunshine and fresh air as a family, because even littles can pick red clover. 😀

On our way to a family reunion this weekend, I noticed huge patches of the red clover everywhere. I am sure some of the folk occasionally driving by on the off roads wondered what the heck we were doing out in the field filling a bag with clover heads, but for our family, we happen to love both eating them on salads and drying them for amazing tea chock full of nutrients in the winter.

If you are female, you might want to consider finding a patch of your own and gathering enough for some good cups of tea this winter, because red clover has many natural substances that boost and benefit the woman’s body. It helps with PMS, and menopause, boosts the body’s ability to fight off colds and illnesses, and mimics estrogen. It also happens to be good for your skin and clearing up scrapes and cuts if you use the tea in a gentle wash!

It took us about ten minutes to fill a large paper bag with clover heads, because they are larger than standard clover. With four of us picking just the tops off of the plants, the bag filled very fast, and we brought home the whole bunch for drying and eating.

Here are a couple ideas for some awesome ways to use them after harvesting:

Summer Clover Salad

1 cup rich leafy greens, such as spinach, or spring mix

1/2 small apple diced finely

1/4 cup diced mozzarella cheese

handful of red clover buds

Drizzle with olive oil and fresh basil

Or for tea in the winter:

Take 2 Tbs dried clover buds, and add to a tea ball. Pour boiling water over, and cover cup with a small plate. Steep for four to five minutes. Remove tea ball and add a dollop of local raw honey. Drink for enjoyment and to balance female hormones. 😀

Now, here is your chance! Red clover only  blooms for a few short weeks every summer, so get out on some country roads and soak up the sunshine, keeping a sharp lookout in the pastures and ditches for those beautiful, big, red heads bobbing above the shorter grass. Make it a day excursion, and enjoy every minute.

Blessings to you and yours, 

~Heather

PS–If you cant get out and find some, you can always purchase from one of my partners right here, and enjoy the sunshine from their fields any day.