Fenugreek: A Versatile Herb in Cooking and Traditional Medicine

Fenugreek is an herb that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Its seeds are commonly used as a spice in cooking and have a slightly sweet, nutty flavor.
Category
Food
Where to get
Available in the spice aisle of grocery stores, health food stores, and online.
Applicable for
Culinary Uses | Traditional Medicine
Prepared by Nick Harper, reviewed by Dr. David James Simpson

Fenugreek FAQ


Image credit: plantura.garden

What type of plant is fenugreek?

Fenugreek ( / ˈfɛnjʊɡriːk /; Trigonella foenum-graecum) is an annual plant in the family Fabaceae, with leaves consisting of three small obovate to oblong leaflets. It is cultivated worldwide as a semiarid crop.

Where did fenugreek come from?

Fenugreek is believed to have been brought into cultivation in the Near East. It is uncertain which wild strain of the genus Trigonella gave rise to domesticated fenugreek.

Can fenugreek be cooked?

There are several different sources of fenugreek. Fenugreek is naturally available as a plant in the legume family—along with peas and beans. The FDA also generally recognizes fenugreek as safe to be used as a seasoning or flavoring agent. So, you may see it used as a culinary (cooking) herb.

Is fenugreek a plant?

Fenugreek is a plant with the scientific name of Trigonella foenum-graecum. This fragrant herb, along with peas and beans, also belongs to the legume family. Its dried seeds may also be used as a spice. Fenugreek is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region.

Where can I buy fenugreek?

You can buy fenugreek as a spice or supplement at most health food stores. The plant may offer essential health benefits, like helping manage type 2 diabetes and cholesterol. Some evidence suggests that fenugreek may ease painful menstrual cramps and boost breast milk supply.

Fenugreek References

If you want to know more about Fenugreek, consider exploring links below:

What Is Fenugreek

  1. https://www.verywellhealth.com/benefits-of-fenugreek-88686
  2. https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/the-health-hub/food-drink/food/what-is-fenugreek/
  3. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fenugreek
  4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fenugreek

Fenugreek Information

  1. https://www.britannica.com/plant/fenugreek
  2. https://www.health.com/nutrition/fenugreek-benefits
  3. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-of-fenugreek
  4. https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/diet/fenugreek-guide-benefits-types-uses-top-sellers-more/
  5. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/fenugreek

Explore Related Topics

Male Infertility Treatments / Nutritional Supplements

The Science Behind Herbal Nutritional Supplements for Male Infertility

Explore the scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of herbal nutritional supplements in tackling male infertility. Engage in an enlightening conversation about the specific herbs, their mechanisms, and potential benefits.

Read 24 answer(s)
2024-Mar-14 06:19
Testosterone Replacement Therapy / Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Low Libido

Natural alternatives to testosterone replacement therapy for increasing libido in men

Engage in a conversation about natural alternatives to testosterone replacement therapy for boosting libido in men.

Read 24 answer(s)
2024-Mar-14 06:03