Fenugreek is a 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 North 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 form of whole seeds, sprouted, powder, sauce or as paste is used in a variety of savory dishes in many parts of the Middle-East, India, Mediterranean and Central Asian regions.
| Biological Source | Trigonella foenum-graecum |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Culinary Use | • Fenugreek is one of the chief ingredients in Indian curry and masala powders. • Small quantity of sprouted seeds are 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 (aloo-methi),carrots etc. • Sprouted fenugreek seeds are used in salads, pastes, dips, fillings, etc. • They are usually preferred in preparing pickles, daals, sambhar powder, and other vegetable dishes. |
| Health Benefits | • 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 absorption of cholestrol from fatty foods in our body. • 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 to prevent certain types of cancer. • 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. |