A Sweet Floral Jelly with Backyard Charm
White clover jelly is a delicate and lightly floral spread that captures the essence of spring and summer in a jar. If your yard or garden is dotted with sweet-smelling white clover blooms, you’re in luck — this easy jelly recipe transforms those little blossoms into a golden, glowing treat that’s perfect for toast, biscuits, or gifting.
🌼 What Is White Clover Jelly?
Made from the flowers of the white clover plant (Trifolium repens), this jelly has a mild honey-like flavor with herbal undertones. It’s a lovely, unexpected way to use an edible wildflower many overlook.
🌿 Ingredients (makes about 4 half-pint jars)
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2 cups white clover blossoms (fresh, clean, no stems or leaves)
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2 cups boiling water
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (for brightness and acidity)
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1 box (1.75 oz) powdered pectin
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3 1/2 cups granulated sugar
🛠️ Equipment Needed
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4 half-pint (8 oz) canning jars with lids and bands
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Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
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Saucepan
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Canning funnel, jar lifter, and ladle
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Water bath canner (or deep pot with rack)
🧪 Instructions
1. Harvest & Prepare the Clover
Pick fresh white clover blossoms from unsprayed areas. Rinse gently to remove bugs or debris. Measure 2 cups of packed blossoms.
2. Make a Clover Infusion
Place the clover into a heat-safe bowl or jar. Pour 2 cups of boiling water over the blossoms, cover, and steep for 8–12 hours or overnight.
3. Strain the Tea
Strain the cooled infusion through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer, squeezing out every drop. You should have around 1¾ to 2 cups of floral tea.
4. Cook the Jelly
Pour the clover tea into a saucepan. Add lemon juice and pectin. Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
Add sugar all at once. Stir well and return to a full boil. Boil hard for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
5. Fill the Jars
Ladle hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims clean, apply lids and bands.
6. Process the Jars
Place jars in a boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude if needed). Remove and let cool completely. Listen for the satisfying pop of sealing lids!
💡 Tips for Best Results
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Use blossoms freshly picked that same day.
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For stronger flavor, steep the clover longer or use a touch of vanilla.
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Try mixing white clover with red clover or chamomile for variations.
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Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Refrigerate after opening.
💛 Serving Suggestions
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Spread on warm biscuits or toast
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Add a spoonful to herbal tea
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Drizzle over goat cheese or cream cheese on crackers
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Use as a glaze for chicken or pork
White clover jelly is a delightful surprise in any pantry — sweet, simple, and straight from the meadow. Try it once, and you’ll be waiting every year for clover season to bloom.
