Trigonella is a Latin byname of Greek trígonon "triangle" and refers to the small, three- cornered flowers. The Latin species name foenum graecum means "Greek hay", which is a dried plant's (leaves or seeds) and has a strong hay-like scent.

Fenugreek is an ancient spice and is mostly used in Middle East, Northern- Eastern Africa and India, especially for pickles. Dry roasting enhances the flavor and reduces the bitterness of this spice. In Egyptian papyri this spice finds its mention as of the plant necessary for the mummification process and as food, medicine and an embalming agent.

Fenugreek has a strong, pleasant and a peculiar odor and grows best in well-drained soils with a low rainfall into brownish- yellow rhombic shape seeds. In India, this spice is often cultivated as a cover crop in citrus-fruit groves to take advantage of their leguminous nature. Indians like the fresh leaves, which are eaten as tasty vegetable and prepared like spinach and sometimes found in Indian yeast bread.

Commercially known as 'Methi', Indian fenugreek comes in several well-known varieties such as 'Desi' and 'Champa' and is grown in the Indian states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The spice is exported in its whole and powdered forms and as oil that is extensively used in perfumery.

The major importers of Indian fenugreek are Saudi Arabia, Japan, Malaysia, USA, The UK, Singapore and Sri Lanka.