Alfalfa was a vital fodder crop of ancient civilizations in
the Near East and Mediterranean and became known in Britain by 1757. Alfalfa is
also known as Purple Medrick from the Latin Herbia Medica, the Median or
Persian Herb imported to Greece after Darius found it in the kingdom of Medes.
Alfalfa is valued by gardeners as a green manure as well as
a nutritious vegetable. Its blooms in the wildflower meadows are rich in nectar,
while the leaves are a commercial source of chlorophyll. Young shoot tips and
sprouted seeds can be used in salads or cooked lightly.
A good source of iron and protein, young alfalfa shoots are
rich in minerals and Vitamin B and highly nutritious and its seeds appear to
reduce cholesterol levels.
For millions of baby boomers growing up watching the “Little
Rascals” on their black and white televisions, Alfalfa will always be synonymous
with the devilish character played by child star Carl Switzer.
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