Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a member of the Fabaceae, the bean family, best known in North America for the spice made from the seeds. 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 and the fresh or dried leaves are used to flavor other dishes.
The name fenugreek or foenum-graecum is from latin for "greek hay".
