Fenugreek is an annual legume that resembles alfalfa. Its long, narrow seedpods contain ten to twenty small, yellowish-brown seeds each. The seeds are incredibly hard and must be prepared before being consumed.
As a spice, fenugreek seed powder is especially popular in India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Armenia, Iran, and Turkey and is commonly used in curries and spice mixes like curry powder. The seed powder has a pungent aroma and a flavor combination similar to bitter celery and maple syrup. In fact, fenugreek is used commercially to make imitation maple syrup.
Medicinally, studies show that fenugreek has the potential to lower cholesterol and control blood sugar and type 2 diabetes. The mucilage in whole fenugreek seeds is also commonly used for soothing minor wounds and sore throats.
