Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a legume from the eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia that has been cultivated for several thousand years. The Latin species name literally means «Greek hay» – the plant was originally also used as fodder. Today it is mainly the small, angular, yellowish-brown seeds that are used.
The maple syrup effect
If you take fenugreek in larger amounts, after a day or two you will smell of it – of maple syrup, caramel or savoury seasoning, depending on who is sniffing. This is neither coincidence nor imagination: the cause is sotolon, exactly the same aroma compound that gives maple syrup and lovage their scent. Part of it is excreted unchanged through the skin and urine. Harmless, but good to know before you start wondering.
In the kitchen
Fenugreek seeds are found in almost every Indian curry powder and in the Ethiopian spice blend berbere. Roasted, they become nutty and bitter at the same time; over-roasted, they turn inedibly bitter, which is why Indian recipes usually let them sizzle in oil only briefly. The sprouted seeds and the young leaves – methi – are a vegetable in their own right in India.
What it contains
Characteristic are mucilages that swell in water, along with steroidal saponins, flavonoids and the amino acid 4-hydroxyisoleucine. The high mucilage content explains why ground fenugreek turns gluey with liquid – and why capsules should be taken with plenty of water.
Our fenugreek
Our organic fenugreek contains ground seeds from certified organic cultivation in plant-based capsules. You will find it under Botanicals, and by topic under Hormonal Balance & Women’s Health and Men’s Health.
Note
Fenugreek is a legume; take care if you are allergic to peanuts or chickpeas. Mucilages can delay the absorption of medication taken at the same time – leave a gap between them. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet; do not exceed the stated daily dose. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a pre-existing condition or take medication, seek medical advice before use.
