Clover Microgreens

Description

****LOCAL PICK UP OR DELIVERY ONLY WE DO NOT SHIP THIS ITEM****
Clover Microgreens ARE NOT SPROUTS they are SHOOTS of a plant grown in dirt and NOT Hydroponically. 4 Leaf Micros Alfalfa Microgreens last much longer than sprouts in your fridge.

****It is important to note that Clover SPROUTS can contain food-borne illnesses such as salmonella and E. coli.*** Research and care must be taken before consuming Clover sprouts, and the sprouts should always be washed prior to use. The FDA also has recommendations for growers and consumers on avoiding contamination when selecting and preparing sprouts, and their website can be viewed for further details.

Flavor/Description
Clover Microgreens consist of tiny, dark brown seeds that have sprouted young, slender shoots with one set of small leaves, averaging 5 to 12 centimeters in length. The thin, white stems are delicate, flexible, and succulent with a crisp consistency. The leaves also bear a tender texture, ranging in color from yellow, green, to dark green, depending on the amount of light exposure, and have an elongated, oval shape with curved edges. The surface of the small leaves is smooth and glossy with a pliable, fleshy nature, giving the Microgreens a slight crunch. clover Microgreens have a mild, nutty, pea-like taste and subtly sweet flavor with fresh green nuances.Very popular in Green Smoothies.

Seasons/Availability
Alfalfa sprouts are available year-round.

Facts: Clover greens are known botanically as Trifolium pratense, and they are classified as a legume. They are also known as Red Clover, White Clover , and Strawberry Clover. Clover greens are considered healthy and contains high levels of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals making them ideal for use as food for living beings. Clover’s flowers and leaves are edible, and can be added as garnishes to any dish. They can be ground into a flour.The flowers often are used to make jelly and tisanes, and are used in essiac recipes. Their essential oil may be extracted and its unique scent used in aromatherapy.

Nutritional Value: Clover greens are very high in protein and dietary fiber. They have the highest chlorophyll content of any plant and contain large amounts of enzymes, making the greens easily digestible. Clover greens are a good source of vitamins C, E, and K, as well as iron, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. They are also a source of potassium, trace elements, and essential amino acids. Clover greens also act as a diuretic in large doses.
In alternative medicine, clover is promoted as a treatment for a variety of human maladies, including symptoms of menopause, coughs, disorders of the lymphatic system and a variety of cancers. There is some evidence it may reduce the frequency of hot flushes in menopausal women. There is no good evidence it is of any benefit in preventing or treating cancer of any other disease.

Nutritional Value
Clover Microgreens are an excellent source of vitamin K to absorb calcium to strengthen bones and teeth and are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts the immune system while reducing inflammation. Sprouts also have a high content of phytoestrogens, which have been shown to aid in preventing heart disease, and contain lower amounts of manganese, potassium, calcium, copper, folate, magnesium, and iron.

Applications: Clover greens can be used raw, cooked or dried. Fresh clover greens can be juiced or blended into a fruit or green smoothies. They can be sautéed or added to soups, stews or stocks. Clover greens can be dried and used to make teas or used as an herb. The dried greens can be ground into a powder and used to add additional protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals to breads or other baked goods. Store fresh Clover greens in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks the way 4LeafMicros packages it. Keep the package dry for best results. Dried Clover greens can be stored in an airtight container for up to three months.Clover Microgreens add texture, moisture, and a slight crunch to a variety of raw or cooked applications.
When fresh, Clover Microgreens can be layered into sandwiches, burgers, wraps, or spread on toast, tossed into salads and coleslaws, or incorporated into fresh spring rolls. The shoots can also be mixed into stir-fries, blended into smoothies, cooked into omelets, used as a topping for tacos, pasta, or pizza, or floated on top of soups. Clover Microgreens pair well with herbs such as mint, dill, coriander, and chives, avocado, apples, tomatoes, bell pepper, broccoli, kale, nasturtium leaves, and cheeses such as goat, feta, cream, and mozzarella. Clover Microgreens should be dry, kept in a plastic bag or airtight container, and stored in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator, where they will keep for 2 to 5 days. It is not recommended to freeze clover Microgreens.

Ethnic/Cultural Info
The clover is native to Europe, Western Asia, and northwest Africa, but it has been naturalized in other continents, like North and South America. Specifically, the clover was brought to Argentina and Chile over 100 years ago, although it is not clear how exactly it was introduced. The clover has become increasingly important as a source of economic stability in Chile, which has made the need for pollinators even more important. One important pollinator, which was also brought from Europe, is Bombus ruderatus, or the large garden bumblebee. This bumblebee has been one of the important pollinators of clover in South America and other countries such as New Zealand.There are approximately 250 species of clovers found throughout the Mediterranean basin, Africa, North and South America, New Zealand, and Australia. Of these, 25 species are a significant source of feed for ruminant animals and humans.