Fenugreek is a slender annual herb belonging to the pea family (Fabaceae). It was used by the ancient Egyptians and is mentioned in medical writings in their tombs. Historically, the main usage of fenugreek seeds was medicinal rather than as a labour. The botanical name trigonella refers to the angular seeds and foenumgraecum translates as ‘Greek hay’, which explains its use as cattle feeds.
This robust herb has light green leaves, is 30-60 cms tall and produces slender, beaked pods, 10-15 cm long. Each pod contains 10-20 small hard yellowish brown seeds, which are smooth and oblong, about 3mm long, each grooved across one corner, giving them a hooked appearance. In India it is grown extensively in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Punjab. 
It is a cold season crop and is fairly tolerant to frost and very low temperature. The herb is a characteristic ingredient in some curries and chutneys and the fenugreek extract is used to make imitation maple syrup. Owing to its high nutritive contents, it is an important ingredient used in vegetable and dal dishes consumed in India.

Fenugreek is a slender annual herb belonging to the pea family (Fabaceae). It was used by the ancient Egyptians and is mentioned in medical writings in their tombs. Historically, the main usage of fenugreek seeds was medicinal rather than as a labour. The botanical name trigonella refers to the angular seeds and foenumgraecum translates as ‘Greek hay’, which explains its use as cattle feeds.
This robust herb has light green leaves, is 30-60 cms tall and produces slender, beaked pods, 10-15 cm long. Each pod contains 10-20 small hard yellowish brown seeds, which are smooth and oblong, about 3mm long, each grooved across one corner, giving them a hooked appearance. In India it is grown extensively in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Punjab. 
It is a cold season crop and is fairly tolerant to frost and very low temperature. The herb is a characteristic ingredient in some curries and chutneys and the fenugreek extract is used to make imitation maple syrup. Owing to its high nutritive contents, it is an important ingredient used in vegetable and dal dishes consumed in India.