Methi is a popular spice in Indian cooking. People use its seeds as spice where as its leaves are used as a leafy vegetable. This spice is widely used by various Indian cuisines. In Northern Indian states, methi leaves are often used to make parathas too. It is an annual plant that grow during winter season. Its seeds can be stored for months throughout the year. Its leaves are also dried to store and use whole year. A special variety of methi leaves are collected for this. It is known as kasuri methi. But do you know what is called methi in English? What is called kasuri methi in English?
Fenugreek is methi in English.
Kasoori (kasuri) methi is known as dried fenugreek leaves in English.
Last 3-4 years,, I am growing fenugreek plants almost every winter season. But this year, I sowed fenugreek seeds little early. I sowed those seeds 2-3 days back and expecting within 1-2 days a few of those seeds will be germinated. You can not buy fenugreek seeds during this rainy season. That is why I collect seeds from our kitchen inventory. Last winter, I did the same when I did not get fenugreek seeds from the local plant & fertilizer shop. I tried and succeed. So I hope I will get some fresh fenugreek leaves during this off season.
It is very easy to grow. It does not need that much fertilizer because I am not growing for its pods or seeds. So for harvesting its leaves, small amount fertilizer is enough.
As I take normal care for my plants. I mostly apply natural homemade inputs. I do not use any chemical insecticide or fungicide. I use homemade dashparni ark for insect repellent and sour months old buttermilk for fungicide. Most people use a lot of chemical to grow vegetables at home. Most of the times people use extra dosage than recommended by the manufacturer in order to keep their plants pest free. People should avoid such thing. Instead they use natural insecticide for regular routine use and if chemical fertilizer is needed then should try chemical pesticide for that particular plant.
Also read:
All vegetable names in Hindi; A to Z sabji in both languages
Food grains name in Hindi – Must read
Various types of millets in Hindi
All fruits names in both languages
Fenugreek (methi in English name) based dishes
Fenugreek not only increase flavor in dishes. But also it is beneficial for our health. It is said that it helps to control diabetes & cholesterol level in blood. That is why many people drink fenugreek seeds soaked water every morning. Many expert also claim that it helps to get relief from heart burn. Many people drink fenugreek seeds infued water because it helps to loose body weight.
Apart from all, Indian people are foodies. So they use its seeds & leaves because it makes food more delicious & enjoyable. Its seeds are used to make various dishes. There are many many dishes prepared with methi seeds. The list is long so I would to mention it here.
But methi leaves are used to make various mouthwatering dishes. These are methi wala missi roti, Bengali style methi begun, mouthwatering Punjabi style aloo methi and many more. I love aloo methi with plain paratha. During winter season, everybody love such meal because fresh methi leaves are available during this season.
But this year I will get plenty of fresh methi leaves before winter will start. After sowing seeds it will take hardly 5-6 weeks and those leaves will be ready to harvest. So you love fenugreek (methi vegetable in English) leaves then you should grow that in your terrace garden or balcony.
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