(Also known as Goat's horn, Greek hayseed and Greek clover)

Profile

Part of the Bean family and a relative of the liquorice family. Young fenugreek leaves are a delicious vegetable. They have a similar appearance to pea shoots when not dried and milled to a herb form. Fenugreek translates from Latin into Greek hay. Fenugreek seeds have a sweet and strong taste with a hint of maple syrup and coffee. The leaves are less pungent. Its stuffy baseline isn't to everyone's liking when taken on its own. It typically provides a bittersweet background to many recipes. It is native to the Eastern Mediterranean. Today it is used in Iranian, West Asian, Indian and Sri Lankan dishes, and it is a typical ingredient found in curry powder. 

What flavours go with fenugreek leaves?

• Chilli
• Cucumber
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Mint
• Onion
• Tomato
• Turmeric

Common in Persian cuisine Fenugreek leaves add a bitter and earthy flavour to bring a distinctive taste to recipes when paired with some of the above flavours. Advieh Mahi is sublime with simple salmon and Advieh Ash makes delicious warming soup.  

Health Benefits - Fenugreek Leaves

Does fenugreek increase breast milk?

Fenugreek is often recommended for women who breastfeed to increase their breast milk supply, where there can be a decrease in milk because of stress or fatigue amongst other well-being reasons. It is also considered to boost hair growth and benefit scalp health. Fenugreek leaf is also considered great for gut health. 

Interesting facts

• Does fenugreek make you smell? The solatone in fenugreek can pass through the body and change the smell of your urine or sweat. The scent almost resembles maple syrup.
• Archaeologists have found evidence of fenugreek seeds in Iraq dating back to 4000 BC and further remnants of fenugreek seeds in the 3000-year-old tomb of Tutankhamen. The Egyptians considered fenugreek as a cure or remedy.

• In Roman times, it was such a common plant, that cattle regularly ate fenugreek fodder.

• In the second century AD, there is a record of the Syrians using fenugreek as an ingredient in a ritual perfumed ointment for athletes during the games. 

Chief flavour profile

Sotolon: (sweet, maple syrup and caramel) think candyfloss at the funfair. Sweet like brown sugar. This key flavour profile complements other spices such as liquorice, allspice and cinnamon.