Fenugreek

Scientific Classification & Quick Facts

Common name	Fenugreek
Scientific name	Trigonella foenum-graecum
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Fabales
Family	Fabaceae
Genus	Trigonella
Type	Annual herb in the pea family
Habitat	Sunny, dry areas with well-drained soil
Native range	Mediterranean, southern Europe, western Asia
Colours	White, pea-like flowers
Flowering season	Summer
Height	About 60 cm
Edible parts	Leaves and seeds

Fenugreek is s plant of the Fabaceae family. It is an annual plant. As a semiarid crop, it is cultivated worldwide. It is an ingredient in Indian curries. Fenugreek is a herbaceous plant that bears light green leaves and small white flowers. Its seeds are the most vital part that consists of medicinal properties. They are flat, yellow-brown, and have a pungent smell and bitter taste. It has originated from the Mediterranean region, southern Europe, and western Asia.

History

The Fenugreek Herb contains Diosgenin. It is believed that Near East this herb was introduced into cultivation. In ancient times, it was a popular herb used for both medicinal and culinary purpose. The father of medicines, Hippocrates, considered Fenugreek as a treasured soothing herb, whereas Dioscorides used it for treating genital inflammation. In those days, tea made with these seeds was given to lactating mothers to increase their milk flow. In India the colloquial name of fenugreek in “Methi”. The botanical name of this herb is Trigonella Foenum Graecum. It is a rich source of minerals, iron and vitamins. The leaves and seeds are included in the diet of the family of Indians and other neighboring countries. It was one of the spices used by the ancient Egyptians for embalming. Greeks and Romans used it as a cattle fodder. The word Fenugreek derives from a Latin term “Foenum-graecum” which means Greek hay. It was grown in the imperial gardens of Charlemagne.

Anatomy

The leaves of the fenugreek herb consist of oblong leaflets and also have small, inconspicuous ones that are three in number. It has compound leaves which are dark green in color. It bears pea-like white flowers that bloom in summer. Fenugreek seedpod consists of ten to twenty small, flat and aromatic seeds. The seeds have a unique odor and are brown in color. Each seed is about 5mm long and oblong with a deep furrow that divides it into two unequal portions. The seeds and leaves of this herb are edible parts that have medicinal as well as food value. The leaves and seeds contain Phosphorus, calcium, and Vitamin C. It is a good diet for pregnant women, growing kids, elder members of the family and girls reaching puberty.

Habitat

The countries which produce fenugreek are India, Nepal, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, France, Egypt, Spain, Morocco and Turkey. India is the largest producer of the Fenugreek herb. Major producing states of India are Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Maharashtra, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh. Rajasthan produces about 80% of all of India’s output. This wide distribution of cultivation is a proof of its ability to thrive in different climatic conditions and growing environments. It thrives well in areas having moderate to low rainfall. It prefers a temperate to cool climate with less temperature.

Soil

Well drained and fertile soil is ideal for the fenugreek herb. It also likes slightly acid to neutral soil. It grows well in sandy, loamy and drained loamy soil. Heavy clay soil is not good for it. Lime application in some solid acidic condition may be necessary. A pH value of 5.3 to 8.2 is preferable to this herb.

Temperature and Humidity

The Fenugreek herb can grow in areas where the amount of rainfall is low. It grows well in areas where the summer temperature is high. In Rajasthan, it grows in high quantity where temperature is very high during the summer season.

Planting

Fenugreek herb grows about 60 cm (2 feet) in height. It has long and yellow seed pods and white or yellow flowers. Before sowing the seeds, soak it in water for one day. Then sprinkle the seeds in the prepared bed. While planting, the seeds have to be sown at a depth of less than ¼ inch. Add a little water to the sown seeds, but care should be taken not to pour water excessively as it may cause the seedlings to die. It should be planted indoors in mid spring and outdoors in late spring. It should be planted outside only when the temperature of the soil reaches approximately 60F. Provide sufficient sunlight to grow. The seed may sprout rapidly within 2 to 3 days

Watering

Fenugreek herb is a drought resistant. It can survive with less water. But watering is necessary for good growth. It also requires partial sunlight. Avoid over watering, or the Fenugreek roots may rot..

Harvest

The Fenugreek herb has to be harvested in mid and early fall. And dry them in the same season. They have to be stored in airtight containers in a dark and dry spot. After planting, it is ready to harvest in 3 to 5 months. This is harvested by uprooting.

Care

The most important care for the fenugreek plant is keeping its bed free from weeds. Cover the soil with dry leaves or sawdust to prevent the birds from picking the seeds and it will also help to prevent the growth of weeds. Its productivity is increased with the addition of phosphate fertilizer and Potash. Also provide a proper drainage hole in the pot in which it is sown because this herb may get affected by over watering.

Pest and Disease

Cercospora leaf spot is a disease of fenugreek herb. It causes fungus. Charcoal rot is another disease. By this disease, canker may spread upwards. Powdery mildew pest causes white spots on the leaves. Aphids also attack this herb. They may cause leaves to turn yellow and also secrete a sugary and sticky substance on them.

Uses

Fenugreek has traditionally been used to help control blood sugar. To relieve gout pain and muscle ache it has been applied as a warm poultice. The plant has also traditionally been used for sore throat, skin irritation, and fever, wounds of swollen glands, bronchitis, diabetes and ulcers. Its cooked leaves are used in the treatment of indigestion. It gives relief to stomachache due to indigestion, inflammation of the stomach (gastritis), constipation and upset stomach. It is believed to decrease certain blood levels like cholesterol level, fat level and sugar level. It is traditionally used to increase milk flow in nursing mothers. Its leaves are a popular vegetable in India.

Fenugreek FAQs