Plant · P-627

Fenugreek

Trigonella foenum-graecum

Fenugreek is a fast-growing annual legume that gives three yields from one planting: a pungent, curry-spice seed, a leaf eaten as a potherb, and a nitrogen-fixing green manure that feeds the soil when the roots are left in the ground after harvest. Its forage compares favourably with alfalfa in protein and digestibility, though feeding milking cows on it can taint the milk's flavour. Seed lowers blood sugar and should be avoided by anyone on diabetic medication or during pregnancy, since it can bring on uterine contractions.