Clover honey is a classic American honey. It has a sweet, mild, floral flavor and is the most popular type of honey in the US. It is also the best honey to use for cooking, baking and as a condiment.
Clovers are a low-growing, perennial flower that produces large amounts of nectar. They are also used as fodder for cattle and other livestock, and their roots help control soil erosion. Clover is a versatile plant that grows in many regions and can be found in pastures, fields and even along roadsides. Beekeepers often place their hives in areas with lots of clover or plant clover around their hives to attract honeybees. Bees visit hundreds of flowers to make one pound of honey and may visit clover plants more than any other variety.
As a result, the color and taste of clover honey can vary significantly from batch to batch. Clover honey can range from white to a light amber color, and it has a mild sweetness with a floral aroma. Clover honey is more granular than other types of honey, and it will crystallize faster.
In addition to its traditional uses, clover honey has a number of health benefits. It has been used to treat cold symptoms, soothe irritated throats and tummy upset, ease arthritis pain and achy joints, and improve heart disease risk factors. Clover honey is also a natural sleep aid. A teaspoon of honey before bed helps restock the liver’s glycogen, which prevents that midnight “spike” in blood sugar that can trigger insomnia and keep you awake.