F IS FOR FENUGREEK

Yes, fenugreek, ladies and gentlemen, Foecum graecum of the Triginella family! It's fodder, it's a spice, it's a legume, a vegetable, a medicine and an aphrodisiac! Horny goatweed which can be fed to goat or old goat alike!

Fenugreek has been with us for a very long time, archaeological evidence of cultivation from Iraq and Egypt as long ago as 4000 BC are plentiful and certainly it's  use as an animal fodder predates it's use in the kitchen.

Fenugreek is widely used in cooking in India and Pakistan and throughout the Mideast as well, it is becoming more and more popular throughout the world as culinary arts become more global. Seeds are used dried and crushed as spices, as pickling aids, or in curries, or whole as a bitter legume. Leaves are used as vegetables or a component in vegetable dishes. Sprouted seeds are used as any form of sprout would be and are quite popular as such. There are many, many recipes available that use fenugreek in one form or another.

The use of fenugreek as a medicine are well documented but mainly apocryphal. It is claimed that fenugreek seeds enhances lactation in humans and other mammals. A cup of fenugreek tea daily is supposed to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis; a similar dose is supposed to lower cholesterol.

Fenugreek has also been touted as an aphrodisiac and there may be some merit to this claim. This plant apparently will put punch in your curry and lead in your pencil in just one tasty serving!

The beneficial effects of fenugreek on type one and two diabetes are currently under study and are showing definite promise.

Fenugreek will grow almost anywhere with minimal care, and in indifferent soil. It is, after all, 

essentially a weed. Home gardeners may wish to add this easy to grow plant to their repertoire. Should it not prove to be popular with the family, remember fenugreek's heritage as animal fodder, and make a friendly goat very happy. 

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