These tiny aromatic beans are generally listed as a spice, but bean they are. This plant, related to clover, has apparently been cultivated for over 6000 years in the Middle East and was also well known to the ancient Greeks and Egyptians.
In India fenugreek seed is toasted and included in a number of important masalas (spice mixes) and it is also used in the cuisines of the Middle East, Persia and Greece. The fresh green leaves and stems are also used as an herb in these same regions.
Fenugreek seed is also an important medicinal, particularly for
increasing lactation in nursing women.
Photo © cg1.
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In the United States the most important use for fenugreek seed is in the production of artificial maple syrup, but both the greens and seeds are important in the cuisines of Greece, Bulgaria, Anatolia, North Africa, East Africa, the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent and as far east as Southeast Asia. Buying: Find the fresh herb in markets serving Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Persian or Indian communities. In the San Fernando Vally it is usually sold as "Shambe" (a corruption of the Persian) and in Artesia it's sold as "Methi". Nowhere around here is it sold as "Fenugreek". The seeds can be found on most well stocked spice shelves and will usually be called "Fenugreek". |
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©Andrew Grygus
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