Fenugreek Seeds, 50g

Fenugreek Seeds, 50g

Fenugreek seeds come from the fenugreek plant (Trigonella foenum-graecum), which is widely used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisines. The seeds are small, hard, golden-brown, and slightly angular, with a strong, bitter, and nutty flavour that mellows when cooked. They are commonly used in spice blends, curries, pickles, and herbal remedies.

Flavour Profile:

• Taste: Bitter, nutty, slightly sweet with a maple-like undertone.
• Aroma: Warm, earthy, and slightly caramel-like.
• Heat: No heat, but strong and pungent in flavour.

Common Uses for Fenugreek Seeds

1. Indian and South Asian Cuisine:

• Curries & Lentil Dishes: Used whole or ground in dishes like dal, sambhar, and vegetable curries.
• Spice Blends: Found in garam masala, panch phoron (Bengali five-spice), and madras curry powder.
• Pickles & Chutneys: Adds depth and a slightly bitter contrast to tangy pickles.
• Tadka (Tempering): Whole seeds are fried in oil to release their flavour before adding to dishes.

2. Middle Eastern & North African Cooking:

• Used in Egyptian hilbeh (fenugreek paste).
• A key ingredient in Ethiopian spice blend Berbere.

3. Mediterranean & European Uses:

• Found in some French and Mediterranean spice mixes.
• Used to flavour cheese (e.g., Dutch cheese “Methi Kaas”).

4. Herbal & Medicinal Uses:

• Fenugreek Tea or Infusions: Used for digestion, blood sugar regulation, and soothing sore throats.
• Lactation Support: Traditionally used to boost milk production in nursing mothers.

Health Benefits of Fenugreek Seeds:

1. Aids Digestion: Helps with bloating, acidity, and constipation.
2. Regulates Blood Sugar: May help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
3. Boosts Lactation: Known to support milk production in breastfeeding mothers.
4. Reduces Inflammation: Used in traditional remedies for arthritis and muscle pain.
5. Supports Heart Health: May help lower cholesterol and improve circulation.