Fenugreek Microgreens/Methi Leaves/Chhoti Methi Leaves/Samudra Methi Leaves/Vendhaya Keerai

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What is Fenugreek?/What is Methi leaves/Fenugreek Microgreens Uses/Chhoti Methi Leaves Uses/Vendhaya Keerai Uses

Fenugreek Microgreens (Methi Leaves)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is Fenugreek?

Fenugreek is one of the oldest and healthiest ingredients known to mankind. It is widely cultivated for its edible leaves and edible seeds. Fenugreek seeds are used as a spice and fenugreek leaves are used as leafy vegetables and dried herbs. Both fenugreek seeds and leaves are used as food as well as medicines.

FENUGREEK

Fenugreek – known to botanists as Trigonella foenum-graecum – is a plant with yellow and white flowers that resembles alfalfa. In fact, its Latin name means “Greek hay” and it was grown by the ancient Egyptians as fodder for animals. Today, fenugreek is grown around the world – in South Asia, The Middle East, South America, Europe and China.

DETAILS REGARDING – THE “FENUGREEK PLANT”

Trigonella foenum-graecum is commonly known as fenugreek. It is an annual plant in the Fabaceae family. Fenugreeks are grown for their edible seeds and edible leaves. Fenugreeks are incredibly versatile plants; their leaves are used as herbs or leafy vegetables and their seeds are used as a spice. Both fenugreek leaves and fenugreek seeds are used as spices and leafy vegetables to flavour various foods and also to treat various illnesses.

I have already written an article regarding Fenugreek seeds. In case, if you want to check that out. Kindly click the below link -

🔗FENUGREEK SEEDS

FENUGREEK LEAVES

Fenugreek leaves are popularly known as Methi leaves. It is also variously known as Vendhaya keerai in Tamil language, Methi sag in Marathi, Punjabi and a few other Indian languages.

TYPES OF FENUGREEK LEAVES

There are three types of fenugreek leaves commonly available in vegetable markets. They are sold by the name given below –

  • Fenugreek leaves or Methi leaves
  • Fenugreek microgreens or Chhoti methi leaves or Samudra methi leaves
  • Kasuri or Kasoori Methi leaves/Dried Fenugreek leaves

The above-mentioned fenugreek leaves are from the same fenugreek plant. However, they are harvested at the different stages of the fenugreek plant growth.

In this article, I have shared the details regarding “FENUGREEK MICROGREENS/CHHOTI METHI LEAVES” including its flavour, culinary uses, purchase and storage ideas.

ABOUT – “FENUGREEK MICROGREENS/CHHOTI METHI LEAVES/VENDHAYA KEERAI”

Fenugreek microgreens, popularly known as Chhoti methi leaves or Samudra methi leaves in the Hindi language. They are edible leafy greens or microgreens from the Trigonella foenum-graecum plant (fenugreek plant).

Fenugreek microgreens/Chhoti methi leaves are grown from the fenugreek seeds/Methi seeds. Once the seeds are sown on the soil, they are regularly watered on the soil to retain moisture content and also for healthy growth. When fenugreek microgreens reach 2-3 inches, they are harvested. This approximately takes 12 to 15 days. Fenugreek microgreens are usually harvested with the roots and also sold with the roots.

Fenugreek microgreen is one of the unique leafy greens which adds a distinctive flavour to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. While it has many culinary uses, it also does wonders in treating various ailments. Fenugreek leaves are the most commonly used ingredient since ancient times, as food and as medicine.

APPEARANCE OF FENUGREEK MICROGREENS

As I mentioned earlier, Fenugreek microgreens are harvested within 12-15 days of sowing fenugreek seeds. So, the appearance of the fenugreek microgreen is tender with 2-3 oval-shaped green leaves, edible stems and small roots.

NOTE

Fenugreek microgreens are harvested and sold with roots in vegetable markets.

Fenugreek Microgreens (Methi Leaves)

FEW INDIAN REGIONAL OR VERNACULAR NAMES OF FENUGREEK LEAVES

Hindi name – Methi Ke Patte for Matured greens and Chhoti Methi Leaves or Samudra Methi Leaves for Microgreens.

Tamil name – Vendhaya Keerai.

Telugu name – Menthya.

Malayalam name – Uluva Ila.

Kannada name – Menthiya Soppu.

Konkani name – Methi Pallo.

Marathi name – Methi Sag.

Kashmiri name- Methi Sag.

Bengali name – Methi Saag.

Gujarati name – Methi Sag.

FLAVOUR OF FENUGREEK MICROGREENS

Fenugreek leaves and fenugreek seeds are known for their bitter taste and strong distinctive aroma. Like fenugreek seeds and matured fenugreek leaves, fenugreek microgreens are also packed with a punch of bitter taste. Even though they are smaller and tender microgreens, they have a bitter taste and a strong herbaceous aroma.

INDIAN CULINARY USES OF FENUGREEK MICROGREENS/CHHOTI METHI LEAVES

Fenugreek leaves/Methi leaves are one of the popular leafy greens used across different regional cuisines of India. It is used as a green leafy vegetable or as a herb. Both types of fenugreek leaves are used widely in Indian cooking.

Fenugreek microgreens are versatile leafy greens. They can be used as it is or cooked. They also can be used to make both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

SUGGESTION

Most of the leafy greens naturally taste bitter. When it comes to fenugreek greens, it is a synonym for the word bitter. So, it is best to cook the fenugreek greens before consuming them (cooking them reduces the bitter taste).

TIPS TO REDUCE BITTERNESS FROM FENUGREEK LEAVES

To reduce the bitterness, soak the fenugreek leaves in warm water for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes of soaking squeeze the water and use them directly in cooking.

Fenugreek microgreens can be used just like any other green leafy vegetable.

FOR EXAMPLE

Dal-based curries, Stir-fries, Paratha stuffing, a variety of rice, Potato-based side dishes and also various Vegetable-based side dishes.

Methi Chana Dal Sabji Recipe/Vendhaya Keerai Kadalai Paruppu Masala Recipe/Fenugreek Leaves and Split Bengal Gram Curry Recipe

In the picture - Methi Chana Dal Sabji Recipe/Vendhaya Keerai Kadalai Paruppu Masala Recipe/Fenugreek Leaves and Split Bengal Gram Curry Recipe

For the detailed Methi Chana Dal Sabji Recipe. Kindly, click the below link to check out -
🔗Methi Chana Dal Sabji Recipe/Vendhaya Keerai Kadalai Paruppu Masala Recipe

Fenugreek microgreen adds a distinctive flavour to many Indian non-vegetarian dishes.

FOR EXAMPLE

Methi Chicken, Mutton or Beef mince with fenugreek microgreens, Stuffing for Deep-fried non-vegetarian recipes.

Fenugreek microgreens pair very well with deep-fried savoury snacks.

FOR EXAMPLE

Khakhra, Muthia, Pakora, Puri.

Methi Thepla Recipe/Thepla Recipe/Gujarati Methi Thepla Recipe

In the picture - Methi Thepla Recipe/Thepla Recipe/Gujarati Methi Thepla Recipe

For the detailed Methi Thepla Recipe/Thepla Recipe/Gujarati Methi Thepla Recipe. Kindly, click the below link -

🔗Methi Thepla Recipe/Thepla Recipe/Gujarati Methi Thepla Recipe

Fenugreek microgreen is one of the healthiest leafy greens, which is given to lactating mothers for healthy milk production.

IMPORTANT NOTES ON CLEANING FENUGREEK MICROGREENS

Fenugreek microgreens are harvested with sandy roots and sold as it is. So, it is very important to clean the greens before using them.

Here below are the steps to clean fenugreek microgreens -

  • Take a deep bowl, fill it with water and add a spoon of rock salt and mix once;
  • Now immerse the cleaned fenugreek leaves in the water and allow to rest for 15-20 minutes;
  • After 20 minutes, take out the fenugreek greens from the bowl gently;
  • Now again fill the bowl with water and immerse the fenugreek greens, using fingers gently rub the leaves to remove any sand;
  • Repeat the process for 2-3 exchanges of water;
  • Once the water comes out clear and the green looks fresh. Now the greens are ready to use.
  • Remove the roots and use them in cooking.

The above is some of the recipe ideas using fenugreek microgreens/chhoti methi leaves. You could innovatively use fenugreek microgreens in your cooking.

TIPS TO BUY AND STORE FENUGREEK MICROGREENS/CHHOTI METHI LEAVES

Fenugreek leaves are seasonal greens. It is mostly sold in the vegetable markets from November to early April.

Even though fenugreek leaves are seasonal greens, you can easily grow fenugreek microgreens in your home garden. All you need is healthy soil and fenugreek seeds. You can grow fenugreek microgreens all through the year and use them whenever you need them.

When buying fenugreek microgreens, look for freshness and green-coloured leaves. Avoid buying yellow-coloured leaves and soggy, wilted leaves.

HOW TO STORE FENUGREEK MICROGREENS/VENDHAYA KEERAI?

Fenugreek microgreens can be stored for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. However, cook them immediately for better flavour.

If you store fenugreek leaves or any greens for more than 3 days they will lose nutrients, freshness and wilt. Sometimes, they become very bitter. So, use the edible greens as soon as possible.

HAPPY COOKING!
with better ingredients for better food.


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