Alfalfa is an excellent green manure for our beds and a popular feed for animals. But it also provides us humans with plenty of edible material. It's definitely worth trying. Not only will you discover a good taste, but you will also get all sorts of he althy ingredients on your plate.
Can you eat alfalfa and which parts are edible?
The edible parts of alfalfa are sprouts (alfalfa sprouts), young leaves and flowers. They have a pea-like taste, can be eaten raw or cooked, and contain he althy nutrients. Alfalfa has a healing effect on stomach problems, loss of appetite and menopausal symptoms.
Alfalfa Sprouts
The word alfalfa comes from Arabic, but this name came to us via a detour. In the USA, sprouts from alfalfa seeds are also called alfalfa. Along with this eating trend, the name also spilled over across the pond.
- Alfalfa seeds germinate easily
- they are easy to care for
- taste wonderfully fresh
Alfalfa sprouts are the most popular sprouts for raw consumption. A convincing argument to try some yourself.
Other edible parts of alfalfa
In addition to seeds, flowers and leaves of alfalfa can also expand our diet.
- young leaves are particularly tender
- they are available from April to June
- can be eaten raw or cooked
- Flowers can be used fresh like leaves
- dried they can enrich tea blends
Tip
Always use the leaves in small quantities as they contain many estrogenic active ingredients.
The taste of alfalfa
Alfalfa has a pea-like taste, especially its flowers. The leaves can taste slightly bitter. Scalding them with hot water takes away some of the bitterness. Both flowers and leaves can be mixed into green smoothies in small quantities. They don't affect the taste too intensively, but they provide lots of he althy nutrients.
Healing active ingredients
Alfalfa is used in herbal medicine as a remedy for all kinds of stomach problems. The herb is also said to help against loss of appetite. The estrogenic active ingredients also relieve menopausal symptoms.
Collect or grow?
Seeds or sprouts are available in some stores. Flowers and leaves, however, are not part of the sales range. However, you don't have to do without it.
You can easily grow alfalfa in your own garden. Corresponding seeds are available cheaply in stores. In some regions the plant can also be found growing wild and can be collected.
