A favourite herb and spice of the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East, fenugreek is establishing itself in Western kitchens where it is welcomed as the new wonder herb.
The ancient Yemenites gave it to their horses to make them run faster, and to their women to make them plump and fertile. The Ethiopians used it in their sauces. In India, where it's known as 'methi' use it to flavour curries and atchar.
FENUGREEK FACTS
• Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is an annual herb that grows 30 – 80cm tall, although the plants that grew in Emperor Charlemagne's gardens were said to be a meter high.
• Fenugreek is sold as bunches of leaves that are similar to dhania, as sprouts (similar to bean sprouts), golden brown seeds, spice and powder. Use it in sambals and relishes. Scatter over curry. Try as a vegetable but don’t overcook or it will turn bitter.
• Make a fenugreek hair-conditioning paste from the leaves and spread on the scalp. It’s said to promote hair growth, prevent baldness and cure dandruff.
• Alternately, apply the paste to your face before you go to bed. It’s said to prevent blackheads, pimples and a dry, aged skin.
• Fenugreek is rich in vitamin A, B and D, minerals and proteins. It expels toxins through the lymphatic system and is said to be good for anything from bad breath to fevers, bronchitis, influenza and sinusitis.
To make a medicinal tea: infuse 30g fresh fenugreek in a litre of hot water. Drink up to three cups a day.
To sprout your own fenugreek seeds, click here.
WHERE TO GET YOUR FENUGREEK
• Capetonians can also buy fenugreek at Atlas Trading Store, and from Komati foods in Observatory, or greengrocers (especially those in the southern suburbs).
• Jo’burgers can buy it at Akhalwaya's Food Zone in Sandton City, or from Akhalwaya Masala Centre in the Oriental Plaza.
• Durbanites can buy it at fresh produce markets and from Vinoo Harie at the Spice Emporium, which is known as "the Woolworths of the spice world".
RECIPES USING FENUGREEK