Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a shrub whose seeds are used as a spice and the leaves as an herb.
Fenugreek seeds are brown/yellow in color and have a strong, bitter flavor. Fenugreek leaves, on the other hand, are green. Fenugreek has a spicy, warm, and curry-like aroma, which is why it's often found in chutneys and curries.
The origin of fenugreek
Fenugreek grows in India, but is also cultivated in the Mediterranean region. Verstegen's fenugreek seeds come from Rajasthan, in northern India, because they have a more flavorful flavor. Many farmers who grow fenugreek also grow cumin. This way, they spread their risks, as they can harvest at multiple times. If a harvest is disappointing, they always have the other spice to harvest.
The use of fenugreek in cooking
Fenugreek is one of the most commonly used spices in Indian cuisine. In Northern India, fenugreek leaves are also used in curries and bread. Fenugreek is also found in Arabic, North African, and Pakistani cuisines, where it's used to flavor pastries, bread, meat, and fish. In the Netherlands, fenugreek seeds are also sometimes used in cheese, just like cumin.
