Belonging to the family of the ‘Fabaceae’ plant, fenugreek microgreens are annually cultivated crop plants. From its stems to leaves, every part of this crop is edible. A mainstay in many cuisines, fenugreek microgreens add a unique flavor to meals. They are bitter, nutty, and spicy all at once.
Such legumes with clover-shaped leaves are often paired with potatoes as delicious microgreens. While they are used as a green or herb in their leaf form, fenugreek microgreens can be used as a spice in their seed form. Moreover, it is known for its flavoring prowess and medical properties.
Let’s discuss the benefits of fenugreek microgreens in-depth and understand the process of growing them.
Nutritional Composition of Fenugreek Microgreens
Fenugreek is one of the most useful and oldest herbs known to humankind. Here are the major nutrients present in fenugreek microgreens.
- Iron (46.5%)
- Copper (13.67%)
- Total Dietary Fiber (7.11%)
- Tryptophan (9.77)
- Isoleucine (8.25%)
These microgreens are a rich source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein. The vitamins that individuals can drive from fenugreek microgreens are vitamin A and Vitamin C.
Benefits of Fenugreek Microgreens
1. Antioxidant benefits
Antioxidants play a vital role in the body and immune system function. They help fight free radicals in the body that disrupt the structures of lipid membranes. Fenugreek microseeds are a potent example of herbs and vegetables that suppress the activity of free radicals and limit their existence consistently.
The methanol extract produced from its seed is responsible for this. Moreover, its extract contains polyphenols that offer great antioxidant activities and disrupt the evolution of such radicals.
2. Contains anti-inflammatory properties
Fenugreek microgreens contain components like flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins. These components are responsible for the anti-inflammatory components in the microgreen. Over the years, flavonoids have proved effective for alleviating swelling in various body parts.
Conversely, alkaloids and saponins limit the production and action of enzymes produced as an inflammatory response in an individual’s body. Moreover, the aqueous extract from fenugreek microgreens expresses highly anti-inflammatory effects in the body.
3. Helps reduce cholesterol
A lesser-known fact about fenugreek microgreens is that it has cholesterol-limiting capabilities. Individuals who consume fenugreek tend to have less LDL in their bodies. Plus, fenugreek microgreens also enrich the level of HDL cholesterol in the body. The reason for this is the estrogenic components and sapogenins in fenugreek microgreens.
4. It may help prevent diabetes
Fenugreek microgreens effectively reduce the quantity of glucose in the body and foster pancreatic beta-cell generation. Disturbed metabolism of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates in the body is the general cause of diabetes mellitus.
While treatments like insulin shots are available for them, using natural medicine is generally encouraged. So, diabetes is controlled by managing dietary habits. The fenugreek plants’ leaves are effective agents to combat symptoms of diabetes.
As per a study titled “Fenugreek use in patients with diabetes mellitus,” published in Research Gate, glucose levels can be reduced in diabetic patients by integrating fenugreek powder made from crushed seeds into the diet.
5. Contain antibacterial properties
As per a study titled “Antibacterial and Anticancer activities of Fenugreek Seed Extract,” published in the National Library of Medicine, fenugreek microgreens contain antibacterial properties. That is why consuming them can help individuals deal with antibacterial infections. Moreover, they eliminate bacterial activity from the cells and tissues without causing side effects, which is synonymous with modern antibacterial medicines.
Overall, fenugreek microgreens effectively hamper the development and growth of various bacterial forms.
Now that you’ve understood the benefits of fenugreek microgreens, let’s get into the process of growing them.
Process of Growing Fenugreek Microgreens in Soil
Here are the comprehensive steps you can follow to grow fenugreek microgreens in soil.
- Prepare the necessary materials
Before starting the process of growing fenugreek microgreens, it’s vital to prepare the required materials. In order to advance these microgreens, you’ll need fenugreek seeds, pots/containers, and soil. Moreover, at this stage, you should also finalize the spot where you’d be growing fenugreek microgreens.
- Inspect your soil
Before planting anything, it’s essential to check the condition of the soil. The ideal pH balance of which is 6.4. However, the range between 6.0-7.0 works fine. If you plan to plant the fenugreek microgreens outside, the best time to plant the seeds is springtime.
- Preparing the soil
Once you’ve checked the pH balance, it’s time to prepare the soil. Individuals must break up the potential large pieces of soil. Moreover, ensuring that it absorbs the water effortlessly is vital. While using a container, one mustn’t fill the soil to the top. Instead, some space should be left so that more soil can be added to the pot later.
- Soaking seeds
Try to soak the fenugreek seeds overnight as it helps increase their germination rate. Soak the seeds in a bowl of water overnight. It is essential to drain the water before planting the seeds. You can sow the seeds after removing them from the water the next day.
- Planting seeds
This step involves sowing the seeds. As fenugreek does not require much space to grow, there is no need to space out the seeds properly. Cover the seeds with 0.5g soil. In order to prevent any pests or diseases, always check the temperature of the soil.
- Watering seeds
After planting them, individuals must water the fenugreek seeds frequently. Fenugreek requires moist soil to grow, which is typically found in rainy surroundings. In order to prevent overwatering of plants, you can use a slow drip method.
- Checking for pests
Pests like aphids are attracted to fenugreek and can damage the crop. In order to prevent fungi, providing proper irrigation and moisture is vital. Individuals should opt for organic pesticides to control pests or avoid potential damage.
- Growing fenugreek
After persistently growing fenugreek microgreens, you’d witness the seed sprout after a few days. In order to help them grow, you must provide them with enough sunlight and water. If you’re growing it inside, using artificial light is preferable. After three to four weeks, they’d be ready for harvesting.
- Harvesting fenugreek
After your fenugreek has grown to about six inches, it’s time to harvest it. The harvest generally happens after a period of three to four weeks. Individuals can pull the leaves slightly and cut right above the roots using kitchen shears to harvest.
- Replanting seeds
If you’re looking to replant in the same area, pull up all the plant roots and remain foremost. In order to have a steady supply of fenugreek microgreens, individuals should plant them every two to four weeks.
Using Fenugreek Microgreens
Fenugreek microgreens are typically used in a fresh or dried state in several cuisines. Individuals can add fenugreek leaves to their vegetables and curry to add an ideal fragment touch. With a taste often described as grassy, mustardy, and spicy, fenugreek microgreens can also be used to top soups or salads. Many people like to pair these fresh greens with potatoes.
Conclusion
Consuming a nutritious diet that includes microgreens helps maintain one’s energy levels and fulfill the body’s requirements. One microgreen that can be exceedingly beneficial for individuals is fenugreek microgreens. These offer numerous health benefits to individuals and must be incorporated into the diet.
Some vital benefits of fenugreek microseeds include the reduction of cholesterol, the presence of antibacterial properties, and diabetes prevention. These benefits cannot be overemphasized to contribute to one’s good health. You can add fenugreek microgreens to salads, vegetable dishes, and curries.
These are impeccable options for home microgreen gardeners to grow due to their unusual taste and health benefits. If you’re looking to grow fenugreek microgreens on soil, follow the steps mentioned in this blog and make them a part of your life.
References
Benton, C. (2018, May 31). Benefits of eating fenugreek microgreens. C&L Farms Grows, LLC. Retrieved June 2, 2022, from https://www.clfarmsgrows.com/post/2018/05/31/benefits-of-eating-fenugreek-microgreens
Cohen, S. (2022, April 4). The health benefits of fenugreek microgreens. Blend of Bites. Retrieved June 2, 2022, from https://blendofbites.com/fenugreek-microgreens-health-benefits/
