Medicago sativa 'Excellent Aroma' – a cold-hardy annual legume plant, growing from 40 to 100 cm tall. The fruit is a pod containing a large amount of vitamins and mineral salts. Seeds and their ground parts are part of the popular spice khmeli-suneli.
Harvesting is done at the waxy maturity stage of the seeds: plants turn yellow by about 2/3, after which the pods are harvested, dried, and ground. The resulting dry powder can be used as an aromatic spice for fish, meat, and soups. Additionally, cut greenery at the beginning of flowering, leaves with flowers, and flower clusters can be added to dishes or used as a garnish.
Medicago sativa has a number of useful properties: in folk medicine it is used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, as well as to improve digestion and speed up metabolism. The plant does not require strict growing conditions – seeds are sown on the light side of the plot in late April–early May at a depth of 1.5–2 cm, and regular watering is provided after seedlings appear. It blooms in June–July with small blue flowers and is an excellent honey plant, attracting bees and bumblebees.
The unique aroma of 'Excellent' Medicago sativa resembles a chicken smell with a piquant note, making it a valuable ingredient for cooking. Due to its ease of cultivation and rich flavor, this variety is recommended for both home gardens and small commercial plantations.
