Clover Honey: A Simple, All-Natural Sweet Treat for Summer
Clover honey is an easy-to-make, fragrant, and fun treat that brings a touch of nature’s sweetness to your kitchen. This recipe is based on a cherished family tradition passed down from Dot Warman, a 101-year-old neighbor who used to make it as a thoughtful gift for her friends and family. Now, you can create this delightful honey substitute at home to enjoy on toast, pancakes, or as a sweetener in your favorite beverages. Plus, it’s a fantastic project to do with kids, as they can help pick the blossoms and assist in the fun process of turning these fragrant flowers into a natural syrup. Just remember to ensure that the clover and roses you use are free from any sprays or chemicals, as we want to preserve the natural goodness of this treat.
Clover Honey Recipe
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 7 minutes |
| Total Time | 17 minutes |
| Recipe Category | Summer |
| Recipe Yield | 8 servings |
| Calories | 967.5 kcal per serving |
| Rating | 5 stars |
| Reviews | 3 reviews |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White sugar | 10 cups |
| Water | 3 cups |
| Alum | 36 tsp |
| Fresh clover blossoms (or rose petals) | 18 blossoms or petals |
| Fresh roses (optional) | 3 blossoms |
| Clean cheesecloth | 1 double layer |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 967.5 kcal |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 1.8mg |
| Carbohydrates | 249.9g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 249.8g |
| Protein | 0g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Blossoms: Begin by carefully picking the clover blossoms (and rose petals, if you’re using them). Make sure they’re free of any chemicals, sprays, or pesticides, as we want to keep this recipe as pure and natural as possible. Set the blossoms aside in a clean bowl.
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Boil the Sugar and Water: In a medium-sized pot, combine the white sugar and water. Place it over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to simmer for about 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved and the syrup thickens slightly.
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Add the Alum: Once the syrup has boiled for the right amount of time, stir in the alum. The alum will help preserve the sweetness of the syrup and give it that familiar honey-like texture. Stir until the alum is fully dissolved.
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Infuse the Blossoms: Remove the pot from the heat and gently add the freshly picked clover (and rose petals if you’re using them). Stir the blossoms into the syrup and let them steep for about 20 minutes. This will infuse the syrup with the lovely floral flavors, creating that distinct honey-like taste.
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Strain the Syrup: After 20 minutes of steeping, it’s time to strain the syrup. Use a double layer of cheesecloth to filter out the blossoms and petals, ensuring that only the fragrant, floral syrup remains. Pour the liquid into a clean bottle or jar, and you’re done!
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Bottle and Enjoy: Once strained, let the syrup cool to room temperature before sealing it in a bottle or jar. Store your homemade clover honey in a cool, dark place and use it as a natural sweetener in all your favorite dishes. It’s perfect on pancakes, as a sweetener for tea, or drizzled over yogurt.
Tips & Variations
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Flavor Add-ins: While clover is the traditional choice, feel free to experiment with other edible flowers like lavender or elderflowers for a different twist on this syrup.
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Serving Suggestions: Use this syrup in place of honey in recipes like honey mustard, marinades, or as a topping for biscuits. It also makes a unique addition to salad dressings and desserts.
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Storage: This clover honey will last for several weeks if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. You can also refrigerate it for longer shelf life.
Why You’ll Love It
This homemade clover honey is not only a nostalgic treat from the past, but it’s also an easy-to-make gift that will impress friends and family. The natural sweetness and floral notes make it a versatile addition to your pantry, and it’s a great way to introduce kids to the process of making something from scratch. Plus, it’s a fun summer activity that brings you closer to nature and reminds us of the simpler things in life, like the beauty of flowers and the sweetness of homemade creations. Enjoy the essence of summer in a jar with this delightful clover honey recipe!
