Unexpectedly, red clover appeared in my herb garden this spring. In the video above I share the joy of wildcrafting this flavorful and medicinal herb, and I also tell the story of how wild elderberries are spreading across our two-acre homestead.
If you want to know how to dry red clover, you’re in the right place. Everything you need to dry and store this herb correctly is explained below.
FAQs
Yes. Rinse the blossoms in cold water to remove dirt, insects, and debris. Swish them gently, lift them out, and repeat until the water runs clear.
Conditioning is the short period after drying when you place cooled blossoms in sealed glass jars and monitor them for a few days to ensure they stay fully dry. During this time, any remaining moisture will redistribute through the jar. If condensation appears or the blossoms stick together, return them to the dehydrator until they are completely dry. Gently shake and turn the jars daily during conditioning.
Yes. Spread blossoms in a single layer on a screen or a tray with holes and elevate it so air circulates around the blossoms. Keep them out of direct sunlight. Drying this way generally takes about three days, longer in high humidity. The blossoms should feel almost crunchy when fully dry. Condition them as described, then store in a cool, dark, dry place.
Drying Red Clover
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Judy DeLorenzo
Equipment
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Dehydrator (or drying screens/trays)
Ingredients
- Freshly picked red clover blossoms
Instructions
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Place the blossoms in a bowl of cold water, swish gently, lift them out, and drain. Repeat until the rinse water remains clear.
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Lay the blossoms between two clean towels and blot them dry to remove surface moisture.
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Arrange the blossoms in a single layer on dehydrator shelves or drying screens, leaving space for air to circulate.
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Set the dehydrator to its lowest setting, about 95°–110°F (35°–43°C).
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Rotate trays occasionally to avoid hot spots, especially if your dehydrator lacks a circulating fan or thermostat.
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Drying usually takes about four hours; the blossoms are done when they feel dry and almost crunchy.
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Allow the blossoms to cool completely, then transfer them to tightly sealed glass jars kept out of direct sunlight.
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Condition the dried clover for three to four days: shake and turn the jars daily. If you notice condensation or sticky clusters, return the batch to the dehydrator until fully dry.
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After conditioning, you may pack jars more tightly. Label them with the herb name and date, and store in a cool, dry, dark location.