Alfalfa
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is also known as the lucerne. It is native to the Near East and central Asia. It has been introduced to Europe, central Africa, China, North America, and South America. Alfalfa is a crop. It is used to feed livestock.
| Alfalfa | |
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| Medicago sativa | |
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| Medicago sativa | |
Nutritional value
Alfalfa is high in protein, calcium and other minerals, vitamins in the B group, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K.[1][2][3] The sun-dried hay of alfalfa has been found to be a source of vitamin D, containing 48 ng/g (1920 IU/kg) vitamin D2 and 0.63 ng/g (25 IU/kg) vitamin D3.[4] There is reference to vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 being found in the alfalfa shoot; this is awaiting verification.[5] Mushrooms are not allowed in Jain vegetarianism, making alfalfa the only known source which Jains can use to make vitamin D2 supplements.
Alfalfa Media
A close up of alfalfa sprouts, which are commonly used as a garnish on soups or as a filling in sandwiches and salads.
Lucerne fields in the Kalahari Desert (2017)24°20′21.5″S 018°35′36.4″E / 24.339306°S 18.593444°E
Honey bee (Apis mellifera), a pollinator on alfalfa flower
Alfalfa hay on the way to Clayton, New Mexico, circa 1915.
Cylindrical bales of alfalfa
Worldwide alfalfa production
Taken on the 6th of June, 2016. Hurok utca, Budaörs.
Small square bales of alfalfa
Watering an alfalfa field in Yerington, Nevada
References
- ↑ Nutrition Research Center, Alfalfa Nutritional Value Archived 2010-04-14 at the Wayback Machine. Nutritionresearchcenter.org (21 March 2008). Retrieved on 17 October 2011.
- ↑ The Facts About Alfalfa, Melissa Kaplans' Herb Care. Anapsid.org. Retrieved on 17 October 2011.
- ↑ Diamond, Marilyn (1990). The American Vegetarian Cookbook from the Fit For Life Kitchen. New York: Warner Books. p. 379. ISBN 0-446-51561-2.
- ↑ Horst R.L. et al 1984. The isolation and identification of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 from Medicago sativa (alfalfa plant). Archives of biochemistry and biophysics 231 (1): 67–71. [1]
- ↑ Chemical Information[dead link]
Other websites
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Wikispecies has information on: Medicago sativa. |