Description
Fenugreek, also known as methi. This annual herb is thought to have been first cultivated in the near East, India and North Africa. Archaeological remains of charred and desiccated seeds discovered in Iraq have been carbon dated back 6000 years! In ancient Egypt, fenugreek was used in cooking as well as medicinally to reduce fevers, and as an incense for religious ceremonies. It has also been a part of Indian cuisine for 3,000 years. It was later used in Ancient Greece and by the Romans often as oxen fodder, to treat a variety of ailments, to make yellow dyes for coloring wool, and as a flavoring for wine.
Used for centuries to increase breast milk production in lactating mothers, it contains high amounts of the phytosteroid diosgenin, a known galactogogue. It has also been used to ease menstrual pain and induce labor. Fenugreek contains phytoestrogens, chemical compounds that mimic estrogen and bind to estrogen receptor sites in the body. Herbs that contain phytoestrogens are sometimes recommended by herbalists and medical practitioners to support bone health, improve perimenopause symptoms, and reduce the risk of estrogen-dependent cancers.
Fenugreek is a tender annual that is a member of the legume family. In addition to its culinary applications, and the long history of medicinal use, it is also used in animal feed and as a soil building cover crop.
This plant can grow up to two feet in height from a single hollow hairy stem, with stems that branch at the base. The leaves are small with three ovate green to purple leaflets each and solitary white, yellow, or purple flowers that grow from the leaf axils. The leaves look similar to clover leaves and the flowers resemble those of common peas. The aromatic yellowish brown seeds develop in curved yellow pods.
Both the seeds and the leaves are edible.
Fenugreek will do just fine planted in average, well draining soil, though it prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil, with a pH range of about 6.5 to 8.2. Due to its nitrogen fixing properties, planting fenugreek in poor soils will help to improve the nutrient quality for future crops.
Fenugreek requires at least 4-5 hours of direct sun a day, and can tolerate afternoon shade. While it may be planted in partial shade in warm climates, in colder locations, it is best to grow it in a sunny spot.
This plant does particularly well in warm and hot climates with average temperatures of 50-90°F, and it can even be grown year-round in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11.
Water your crop regularly to keep it moist, particularly in dry weather. Do not overwater, as waterlogged soil will impede growth. Pinch off the top third of mature stems periodically to encourage lush, branching growth. If you’re not planning to collect the seeds, prune the top 6 inches of the mature plant to encourage more growth and prevent it from setting seed.
This herb can easily be grown in containers. Plant seeds in a pot indoors on a sunny windowsill, or place pots on the balcony or in a patio garden. Fenugreek is a shallow rooted plant, so you don’t need a deep container. Use a wide planter around 6-8 inches deep with good drainage.
