Fenugreek (Seeds And Powder)

Biological Source : Trigonella foenum-graecum

Family : Fabaceae

Fenugreek is native to the sub-Himalayan plains of Indian subcontinent, and today, it is widely grown all over the southern and Mediterranean Europe, Middle-East Asia and Northern African regions. Major fenugreek producing countries are Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Iran, Nepal, Bangladesh, Argentina, Egypt, France, Spain, Turkey, and Morocco; the largest producer being India, Fenugreek seeds are being used in a wide range of culinary recipes, especially in spice mix. The seeds either in the forms of whole seeds, sprouted, powder, sauce or as paste used in a variety of savory dishes in many parts of Middle-East, India, Mediterranean and Central Asian regions.

Culinary Uses of Fenugreek Seeds

• Fenugreek is one of the chief ingredients in Indian curry and masala powders.
• Small quantity of sprouted seeds is added to vegetables and lentil dishes.
• Fenugreek greens, known as methi, either fresh or dried; is one of the prominent leafy-greens featuring in India, Pakistan and Persian cooking with spinach, potato (aaloo-methi), carrots, etc.
• Sprouted fenugreek seeds are used in salads, paste, dips, fillings, etc.
• They are usually preferred in India for preparing pickles, daals, sambhar powder, and other vegetable dishes.

Medicinal Uses of Fenugreek Seeds

• They are rich in vitamins such as thiamin, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins A, B6, and C, and are a rich storehouse of many minerals such as copper, potassium, calcium, iron, selenium, zinc, manganese, and magnesium.
• Fenugreek leaves are a rich source of vitamin K as well.
• Fenugreek contains saponins that help reduce the body’s absorption of cholesterol from fatty foods.
• An unusual amino acid (4HO-Ile), so far found only in fenugreek, has possible anti-diabetic properties such as enhancing insulin secretion under hyperglycemic conditions,
• Fibers in fenugreek may help prevent certain cancers.
• Fenugreek is said to be an effective heartburn or acid reflux remedy because the mucilage in fenugreek seeds assists in soothing gastrointestinal inflammation, and coating the stomach and intestinal lining.