Fenugreek Facts
Fenugreek Facts
|
| Interesting Fenugreek Facts: |
|---|
| Fenugreek has erect stem that can reach 2 to 3 feet in height. |
| Fenugreek develops small, trifoliate leaves that consist of three rounded or obovate leaflets. Leaves are light green colored and alternately arranged on the stem. |
| Fenugreek produces small white or yellow flowers that grow solitary or arranged in pairs. Flowers contain both types of reproductive organs (perfect flowers). |
| Fenugreek blooms during the summer, 110 to 120 days after planting. Insects are not required for the successful pollination, due to ability of flowers to perform self-pollination. |
| Fruit of fenugreek is yellow seed pod filled with 10 to 20 yellowish-brown, flat seed. Harvest of ripe pods takes place 30 to 35 days after flowering. |
| Fenugreek propagates via seed. |
| Fenugreek is rich source of dietary fibers, proteins, vitamin B6 and minerals such as iron, manganese, magnesium and copper. Leaves and young shoots can be consumed as green vegetable. Roasted, ground seed are used as spice. |
| Fenugreek seed have bitter taste and strong smell which resembles the smell of maple syrup or burnt sugar. Exposure to high temperature (roasting) reduces bitterness. Roasted, ground fenugreek seed can be used for the preparation of candies, soft drinks, baked goods, marinades and ice creams. Fenugreek is inevitable part of Indian cuisine. |
| Fenugreek is one of the ingredients of Indian curry mixture. It is also used as flavoring agent for industrially manufactured vanilla, maple syrup and rum. |
| Roasted fenugreek seed can be used as a substitute for coffee. |
| Fenugreek was used for embalming in the ancient Egypt. Stashes of fenugreek were found in tombs of many pharaohs (including Tutankhamun). |
| Scientific name of fenugreek is Foenum graecum, or "Greek hay" in Latin. Name refers to the facts that fenugreek was one of the most important sources of animal feed in the ancient Greece and Rome. Fenugreek is still used as animal fodder in some parts of Europe and Africa. |
| Fenugreek has numerous beneficial effects on the humans health. It can reduce high blood cholesterol level, improve digestion, stimulate production of milk (in breastfeeding women) and relieve symptoms of anemia, fever, mouth ulcers, respiratory disorders, diabetes, insomnia and inflammation. Fenugreek is available in the form of herbal supplements today. |
| Dried fenugreek leaves can be used as natural insect repellent. |
| Fenugreek is an annual plant, which means that it completes its life cycle in one year. |
|
Related Links: Facts Plants Facts Animals Facts |