Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a spice made from the seeds of the fenugreek plant, Trigonella fœnum-græcum (L).

Fenugreek is a member of the Fabaceæ, the bean family. The fenugreek plant grows wild from the eastern Mediterranean area to China; it is cultivated worldwide. The taste of fenugreek is based on pyrazines, as is cumin. By itself, it has a somewhat bitter taste. Fenugreek is one of the spices frequently used in the preparation of curry powders and pastes, and is often encountered in the cuisine of India and Thailand. The young leaves and sprouts of fenugreek are eaten as a salad herb.

"Fenugreek" is an inherently funny word. The word comes from the Latin for "Greek hay," suggesting the Romans found it funny too.