Fenugreek, Spice
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a herbaceous plant in the bean family Fabaceae, native to the Mediterranean and India. It is also known as Greek Hay and Fenigreek. In Greece, Italy, Egypt and South Asia, fenugreek is used to treat a variety of health problem. Fenugreek is an excellent herbal remedy for reducing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and for treating inflammations. Fenugreek seeds, known as Methi is India, are small stony seeds, brownish yellow in color with a deep furrow. Some seeds are oblong, some cuboid, some rhombic, with a side of about 3mm. They are aromatic, bittersweet with a bitter aftertaste. Fenugreek seeds are high in polysaccharide galactomannan, iron, silicon, sodium, thiamin, protein, vitamin C, niacin, potassium, diosgenin and some other active constituents. Fenugreek seeds are usually used in the preparation of curry powders, pastes, pickles, tea, and sweet confections. They are also galactagogue, often used to increase milk supply in lactating women. In the United States, where pure maple syrup is popular but expensive, fenugreek is widely used as a maple syrup flavoring in the production of lower-cost syrup products such as Mapleine. In Egypt, fenugreek tea is a popular winter drink served in coffee shops. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, fenugreek is known as Hu Lu Ba. It is said to warm and tonified kidneys and disperses cold and allviates pain. Fenugreek is commercially available in capsule forms, in whole and dried, or in powdered form (ground from roasted seeds).  Fenugrek Author: Miansari66 (public domain) | ||
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