Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds are an ancient spice with a slightly bitter taste. They are small, hard and smooth and elongated. They have yellowish- brown color. They have bitter yet pleasing flavor and aroma. These are often toasted to enhance their pungent aroma. Fenugreek seeds are most commonly used in Indian cookery. Fenugreek seeds have variety of names like it is known as ‘Methi’ in Hindi, Urdu and Nepali. In Tamil it is known as ‘menthiyam’ and ‘menthiyam’, menthya in Kannada, ‘uluwa’ in Malayalam and 'menthulu’ in Telugu.
Selection of fenugreek seeds:
Prefer using yellow seeds that are uniform and have fragrance. They can be easily brought from any grocery stores.
Culinary uses:
- As a spice, whole or powdered fenugreek seed adds a distinct flavor to curry powders, pastes and sauces.
Methi seeds are used as ‘tarka’ in dals or garnishing. - It is used commonly in pickles across India and is part of a five spice mixture used in Bengal.
- Soaked seed, used as 'fenugreek berries' at 24 hours of germination, are soft and jelly-like, with a pleasantly mild flavor.
- Fenugreek seeds are tempered in hot oil or are dry roasted.
Fenugreek is essential to sambar powders. - Eat fenugreek sprouts as a snack, add to sandwiches, salads, juiced with vegetables, mixed with potato salad and other root vegetables; use as a garnish, add to soups, rice and pasta dishes and stir-fries, just before serving.
How to store
Fenugreek seeds have a tendency of retaining their flavor for years. They can be stored in air tight container and that to unrefrigerated.
Benefits to health:
- Medical research shows that fenugreek seeds lower blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
- It is also known to cure constipation
- An ancient ayurvedic cure for dandruff – soak some seeds in water overnight, grind to a paste, apply onto the scalp and hair, leave for 20 minutes and rinse. It also tones the hair, giving it a silky feel and shine.
- Fenugreek seed paste or Methi in powder form can be used as a face pack also, helps to tone the skin and cure acne.
- Fenugreek has a beneficial action on cleansing the blood.
- People find that drinking a cup of the tea before meals can bring relief from numerous ailments.
