Sweet clover

Melilotus altissimus, M. officinalis

herb · flower

Dried flowers with a scent of hay and tonka bean, infused into cream or syrup by pastry chefs.

Origin

Europe and Asia

Season (United States)

June to September

Preparation

Well dried and sound, in small amounts: moldy, it produces a powerful anticoagulant, and its coumarin harms the liver at high doses.

Did you know?

Moldy, it led to the first anticoagulant: cows dying of hemorrhage led to warfarin.