Alfalfa seed Medicago sativa

Uses: Culinary/Medicinal/Beverage 
 
Well known fodder plant that allows that yields well even on poor land, alfalfa can be harvested multiple times in one season for hay or silage. Sending its roots down 20 feet, it aerates and enriches the soil by fixing nitrogen. An early "super crop," it transformed agriculture by providing an abundant and nutritious feed for livestock. Alfalfa is believed to have originated from Asia, migrating to Greece from china in 5 BC. The whole plant can be used, and an infusion of leaves with mint is an excellent nutritious tea, rich in easily assimlated vitamins, minerals and trace elements, including protein, calcium and iron. Young leaves and sprouts are added to sandwiches and salads. Useful as a stimulating, tonic herb, it is contraindicated in autoimmune conditions. Preferring light, well-drained to dry soil and full sun, it can be directly sown into the field or garden, or sown into a container using a low-fertilizer, loam-based potting mix; water regularly and leave in full sun. Does not tolerate competition from weeds or other crops.