White Clover Jelly Recipe: A Delightful Homemade Treat with Foraged Blooms

White clover jelly is a delightful way to capture the subtle sweetness of nature in a jar. If you’ve ever wandered through a field of white clover, you know how charming these little blossoms are. What might surprise you is that they’re not just pretty—they’re edible and perfect for making a unique, floral jelly.

This recipe combines the delicate flavor of white clover with just the right amount of sweetness, creating a spread that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, pairing it with cheese, or using it as a glaze, this jelly brings a touch of homemade magic to any dish. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to turn foraged blooms into something truly special.

White Clover Jelly Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups white clover blossoms (freshly picked and rinsed)
• 4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 package (1.75 oz) powdered pectin
• 4 cups granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the White Clover Infusion

1. Gather 2 cups of white clover blossoms, ensuring they are clean and free from insects. Avoid washing too vigorously to maintain their flavor.
2. Place the blossoms in a heatproof bowl and pour 4 cups of boiling water over them.
3. Cover the bowl and let the mixture steep for 12–24 hours at room temperature.

2. Strain and Prepare for Cooking

1. Strain the infusion through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a medium saucepan. Discard the blossoms after straining.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the strained liquid.

3. Dissolve the Pectin

1. Sprinkle one package (1.75 oz) of powdered pectin into the saucepan.
2. Over medium heat, stir constantly until the pectin dissolves completely.

4. Add Sugar and Boil

1. Add 4 cups of granulated sugar to the saucepan, stirring until fully dissolved.
2. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring frequently.
3. Once boiling, let it continue to boil for 1–2 minutes. Do not decrease the heat during this phase.

5. Test and Jar the Jelly

1. Remove the saucepan from heat and skim off any foam from the surface.
2. Test the jelly’s consistency by placing a spoonful on a chilled plate. If it sets slightly and wrinkles when touched, it is ready.
3. Ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace.

6. Seal and Process

1. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean damp cloth and seal with sterilized lids.
2. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure a proper seal.
3. Carefully remove the jars and let them cool at room temperature.

Storage

Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 2–3 weeks.

Ingredients

To create this delicate and nature-inspired white clover jelly, I make sure to carefully gather and prepare all the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups of fresh white clover blossoms (unsprayed and foraged from clean areas, rinsed lightly to remove any debris)
• 4 cups of water (for steeping the blossoms into a fragrant infusion)
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (freshly squeezed for brightness and preservation)
• 1 box (1.75 oz) of powdered pectin (to help the jelly set to the perfect consistency)
• 4 cups of granulated sugar (measured precisely for sweetness and texture balance)

These ingredients combine to capture the essence of white clover and ensure your jelly achieves the right flavor and texture.

Tools And Equipment

To make white clover jelly successfully, having the right tools and equipment ensures a smooth process and great results. Below, I’ve listed everything you’ll need, along with its specific purpose:

Essentials for Preparing White Clover Infusion:

• Large Bowl: For soaking and rinsing the white clover blossoms to remove any debris or insects.
• Fine Mesh Strainer: Essential for straining the white clover infusion to ensure it’s clear and free of plant particles.
• Cheesecloth or Nut Milk Bag: Optional but ideal for achieving a finer strain of the liquid.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring your water, lemon juice, and other ingredients.

Cooking Tools:

• Large Saucepan: A medium-to-large saucepan works best for boiling the infusion, pectin, and sugar together. Ensure it’s big enough to prevent boiling over.
• Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula: For stirring the mixture as it boils without damaging your non-stick saucepan (if applicable).

Testing and Jarring:

• Candy Thermometer: Helpful for monitoring the temperature while boiling, ensuring the mixture reaches the ideal gel stage.
• Cold Plate or Spoon: Used to test jelly consistency by dropping a small amount of jelly onto a chilled plate or spoon.
• Sterilized Glass Jars with Lids: To store the finished jelly. Use mason jars or other canning-appropriate jars with secure lids that seal tightly.

Canning Equipment:

• Canning Funnel: Makes transferring the hot jelly into jars cleaner and easier.
• Jar Lifter: For safely handling hot jars when removing them from the boiling water bath.
• Water Bath Canner or Large Stock Pot: Necessary for sealing the jars through a water bath process and ensuring the jelly is safe for storage.

Having these tools ready and organized streamlines the entire jelly-making experience, from infusing blooms to sealing jars for long-term storage.

Prep

Preparing for white clover jelly starts with harvesting fresh white clover blossoms, cleaning them thoroughly, and readying them for infusion. Following these steps ensures a clean and flavorful final product.

Harvesting White Clover Blossoms

I begin by finding a safe, pesticide-free area with abundant white clover blooms. I pick 2 cups of fully opened white clover blossoms, selecting blooms that are fresh and vibrant. Morning is the best time for harvesting, as the blossoms are at their most fragrant then. Avoid areas near busy roads or polluted spaces to ensure the flowers are clean and safe for consumption.

Cleaning The Blossoms

Once I’ve gathered my blooms, I rinse them gently in cool water to remove dirt and any tiny insects. I swish the blossoms in a large bowl of water and then transfer them to a colander to drain. After cleaning, I lay them out on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel and gently pat them dry to remove excess water.

Preparing The Blossoms For Use

To prepare the blossoms, I remove the green stems and leaves attached to each bloom, as these can add a bitter flavor. I focus on keeping the delicate white and creamy petals for infusion. For convenience, I prepare all 2 cups of blossoms this way before moving on to the next step in the recipe.

Directions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a delicious jar of homemade white clover jelly. Each stage is carefully detailed to ensure successful results.

Making The White Clover Infusion

1. Measure 2 cups of freshly picked, cleaned white clover blossoms.
2. Place the blossoms in a large heatproof bowl.
3. Pour 4 cups of boiling water over the blossoms, ensuring they are fully submerged.
4. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it steep for 4–6 hours, or overnight for a stronger flavor.
5. Strain the infusion through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean measuring cup, discarding the spent blossoms. You should have 4 cups of liquid. If not, add a little water to reach the desired amount.

Preparing The Jelly Mixture

1. Pour the white clover infusion into a large saucepan.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the infusion. This will help the jelly set and balance the sweetness.
3. Sprinkle in 1 box (1.75 ounces) of powdered pectin, stirring well to dissolve completely.
4. Place the saucepan over medium heat and heat the mixture until it just begins to simmer, stirring constantly.

Cooking The Jelly

1. Increase the heat to high and add 4 cups of granulated sugar to the saucepan, stirring until fully dissolved.
2. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning.
3. Continue boiling the mixture for 1–2 minutes, or until it reaches 220°F on a candy thermometer.
4. Test the jelly’s consistency by dropping a small amount onto a cold plate. If it forms a gel-like surface, it is ready.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and skim off any foam with a spoon for a clear jelly.
6. Carefully ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace. Seal the jars with lids and process in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes for long-term storage.

Canning And Storing

Proper canning techniques and storage practices are essential to preserve the delicate flavor of white clover jelly. Follow these steps to ensure your jars are safely sealed and stored for maximum freshness.

Sterilizing The Jars

I always start by sterilizing my glass jars to eliminate bacteria and ensure long-term storage. First, wash the jars and lids thoroughly with hot, soapy water, rinsing them well. Place the jars upright in a large pot or canner and cover them completely with water. Bring the water to a boil and let the jars simmer for 10 minutes. Leave them in the hot water until you’re ready to fill them. For the lids, submerge them in a separate pot of simmering water, avoiding a full boil, and keep them warm.

Pouring And Sealing The Jelly

Once the white clover jelly has reached the desired consistency, I carefully ladle it into the sterilized jars using a canning funnel to avoid spills. Leave a 1/4-inch headspace at the top of each jar to allow for expansion. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth to ensure a secure seal. Place the lids on top and screw the bands fingertip-tight—not overly tight, as this can interfere with the sealing process. Process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, fully submerged, adjusting for altitude if necessary. Allow the jars to cool completely on a towel-lined surface without disturbing them.

Storing Tips And Shelf Life

Properly processed jars should have a strong vacuum seal, indicated by a concave lid that doesn’t flex when pressed. I label each jar with the date and store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. When stored correctly, white clover jelly keeps its flavor and quality for up to 12 months. Once a jar is opened, I refrigerate it and use it within 2–3 weeks for the best taste. Always check for signs of spoilage, such as mold or an unusual odor, before consuming.

Serving Suggestions

White clover jelly is not only a delightful spread but also a versatile kitchen companion. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this fragrant and subtly sweet jelly:

• Breakfast Boost: Spread a generous layer of white clover jelly over warm, buttered toast, English muffins, or flaky croissants. Its delicate sweetness pairs beautifully with the rich, buttery base.
• Cheese Plate Companion: Dollop a spoonful of jelly onto a cheese board next to sharp cheddar, creamy brie, or tangy goat cheese. The floral notes of the jelly provide a delightful contrast to the savory cheeses.
• Dessert Drizzle: Use the jelly as a topping for vanilla ice cream, plain yogurt, or even panna cotta. Its smooth texture and sweet flavor elevate desserts to a whole new level.
• Glaze or Marinade: Turn the jelly into a glaze for roasted meats like chicken or pork by melting it down with a touch of vinegar or stock. Alternatively, you can mix it into marinades for a hint of floral sweetness.
• Tea Time Treat: Stir a spoonful of jelly into warm tea for a subtle floral infusion or use it as a filling for buttery tea cookies.
• Giftworthy Fare: Pack jars of white clover jelly into gift baskets with artisanal breads, teas, or homemade baked goods. It makes a thoughtful and unique present.

No matter how you choose to enjoy it, white clover jelly brings a touch of nature’s elegance to everyday meals and special occasions.

Conclusion

White clover jelly is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to capture the beauty of nature in a jar. With its delicate sweetness and versatility, it adds a unique touch to both everyday meals and special occasions. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, pairing it with cheese, or gifting it to a loved one, this jelly offers a delightful connection to the outdoors.

By following the steps and tips provided, you can create a homemade treat that’s as rewarding to make as it is to enjoy.