Dry fenugreek (Fenugreek officinale) is a large perennial plant, growing up to three feet tall, with a spreading tapering base and purple-black flowers. The plant prefers fertile, dry soil with lots of light. Some varieties of this plant are more drought tolerant than others, hence preferring less water and shade than others. It is one of the main ingredients in preparing Indian curries, which is a very popular dish in Northern India.
A major key herb in Indian cooking dried fenugreek leaves can be used in the preparation of many delicious Indian recipes, apart from being used as a marinade for meat and fish. Used in the authentic Iranian lamb stew, ghormah sabzi. Usually the fresh leaves are crushed and mixed with enough water to make a paste like substance, and later on sprinkled over dry food or curries towards the end of the preparation process. This paste is good for the skin and it is also good for health benefits. It keeps the internal organs cool and healthy, hence helps in preventing heat exhaustion while cooking, and maintains the nutritional value of the food.
Also called as “ayanthi” or “akhichdi”, the fresh leaf powder can be roasted, ground and added to the ingredients of hot and cold salads, along with coriander powder and saffron to taste. An excellent dressing, the spice adds colour to the salads, and is an excellent pickle. The flavour of this herb is pungent and the leaves can be eaten just like that. The aroma is mild and sweet.
This herb comes in four different grades: Regular, Medium, Superior and Extra Virgin. It is harvested from the seeds, which are about two to 3 cm long, and has a thick furry texture. The powder is produced from the leaves and stalk and contains mostly garlicky oils and flavonoids. The dry fenugreek leaves or powder is commonly stored in a wooden container and sold in small packets of 1 kg red, with a measuring cup and a funnel for easy dispensing.
This is a superior grade of fresh kasuri methi, and the dry varieties are available in small packets of 1kg read. The fresh kasuri methi is rich in vitamin C and iron and has a very high smoke point. It is also very effective in alleviating respiratory problems, such as cough and cold. It is often recommended as an alternate to ghee (ghee that is produced using non-renewable sources of oil), as it burns very little and is therefore economical.
A very powerful antioxidant, this leaf has numerous health benefits. It is therefore believed to possess laxative qualities, as well as strengthening properties. It is also helpful when it comes to treating diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, ulcers, hemorrhoids, heartburn, asthma, irritability, sleep disorders and more. For this reason, it has been used as an alternative medicine in India since the 1900s, and its continued popularity is testament to its health benefits. The dried fenugreek leaves or powder can be bought at health stores and online, and its health benefits can’t be understated.