Fenugreek (Dana methi), Fenugreek seeds (Methi) & Benefits of Fenugreek

Fenugreek Methi

<-- Picture of Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds (Hindi name: methi, dana methi) are hard and yellowish brown. It has grown wild in India, the Mediterranean and North Africa. Ancient Egyptians have grown it as cattle fodder and also used it to treat fever. The powder is strong aromatic flavor and bittersweet taste.

Fenugreek is used as a spice and as a yellow dyestuff in India. It is also used in many medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, stomach trouble, etc. It can be used as a poultice for boils.

If you add half a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds to the lentil and rice mixture while soaking, dosas will be more crisp.

They are available whole and dried, or as a dull yellow powder, ground from the roasted seeds.

Nutritional Values

Parameters	Value per 100g
Moisture  Protein  Fat  Minerals  Fibre  Carbohydrates  Energy  Calcium  Phosphorus  Iron	13.700 gm    26.200 gm    5.800 gm    3.000 gm    7.200 gm    44.100 gm    333.000 K cal 160.000 mg    370.000 mg    6.500 mg
Vitamins
Carotene  Thiamine  Riboflavin  Niacin  Folic Acid (Free)  Folic Acid (Total)  Choline	96.000 µg     0.340 mg    0.290 mg    1.100 mg    14.500 µg     84.000 µg     1161.000 mg
Minerals & Trace Elements
Magnesium  Sodium  Potassium  Copper  Manganese  Zinc  Chromium  Phytin Phosphorus	124.000 mg    19.000 mg    530.000 mg    0.710 mg    1.030 mg    3.080 mg    0.064 mg    151.000 mg

Source: National Institute of Nutrition, ICMR, Hyderabad, India

Tips for Storing & using Fenugreek

• Buy and store your fenugreek in whole form, if possible. If you want to use it in powder form, then grind or powder them in a grinder or mortar & pestle just prior to using because they rapidly lose their freshness and flavour once ground.

• Fenugreek whole or powdered should be stored in airtight containers in a cool dark place.