ABSTRACT
The fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) belongs to the family Fabaceae and is a multiuse and commercially important spice crop grown for its seeds, tender shoots, and fresh leaves. It is an annual plant, extensively cultivated as a food crop in India, the Mediterranean region, North Africa, and Yemen. Fenugreek seeds and herbs are well known for their distinct aroma and slightly bitter taste. The cultivation of this crop is con’ned to areas with moderate or low rainfall and a cool growing season without extreme temperatures. It can tolerate 10-15°C of frost (Duke 1986). It has been reported to be grown under a wide range of soil and climatic conditions in many countries of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and America (Table 24.1). Fenugreek has economic value as food, fodder, medicine, and in cosmetics. According to the natural medicines comprehensive database, 523 commercial products containing fenugreek have been reported, including 50 Canadian licensed products (Natural Database 2010).
