How to Eat Fenugreek Seeds

Co-authored by John Burson

Last Updated: November 18, 2024 Fact Checked

Fenugreek seeds are one of the healthiest seeds you can add to your diet. These seeds are thought to have multiple health benefits, such as aiding weight loss, preventing diabetes, lowering cholesterol, and increasing breast milk supply. There are multiple ways to eat fenugreek seeds. You can eat soaked seeds, eat sprouts and seeds together, or add them to a dish for a sweet and bitter touch.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Eating Soaked Fenugreek Seeds

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1
Pour warm water on 1 cup (240 ml) of fenugreek seeds. First, place the seeds in a bowl or other container. Then, pour the 1 cup (240 ml) of water over the seeds. The type of water you use does not matter. For example, you can use tap water or bottled water.
- Fenugreek seeds are often eaten as a weight loss aid, as they are supposed to help digestion.
You can leave the bowl of seeds out on the counter. It is a good idea to cover the bowl if you are worried about bugs or anything getting into the bowl throughout the night.

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Pour the soaked bowl of seeds, including the water, into a strainer. You can then put the seeds into a storage container or bowl if you soaked more than 1 serving (about 1 cup (240 ml). Place the leftover seeds in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 5 days.
Eat the seeds on an empty stomach to aid weight loss. If you’re eating the seeds to aid weight loss, it is best to eat on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. Simply eat the seeds raw directly out of the bowl. Eating about 1 cup (240 ml) of seeds is recommended. Repeat soaking and eating the seeds on a daily basis in order to notice weight loss.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Eating Sprouted Seeds

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Then, drain the excess water out of the bowl in the morning. You can use a strainer to remove the excess water.^{[1]
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You can use any type of cloth, but a muslin cloth is ideal to use. Use warm water to dampen the cloth before folding the cloth around the seeds. Place the cloth in a location where it won’t be bothered.^{[2]
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3
Wait 3 to 4 days for the seeds to sprout. Check on the seeds the day after you wrap them in the cloth. Typically, it will take a few days for the seeds to sprout. After 3 days, you can remove the seeds if you see that they’ve sprouted. You can rinse the seeds under water, but otherwise, they are ready to eat.^{[3]
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- Store the sprouts in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
If you’re eating the sprouts to aid weight loss, it’s best to eat them first thing into the morning on an empty stomach. It’s also an option to add them to a salad if you don’t want to eat them alone. Simply toss the sprouted seeds into a salad and thoroughly mix them in with the other ingredients.^{[4]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Adding Fenugreek to Meals

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1
Season side dishes with fenugreek powder. You can use a seed grinder or food processor to grind up the seeds. Once the seeds have been turned into a fine powder, you can use them to flavor the side dish of your choice. Simply sprinkle the powder to add a slightly sweet and bitter taste to your meal.^{[5]
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- It’s also an option to use the powder to flavor meat.
- Store fenugreek powder by putting it into an airtight container. It will last up to 1 year.
Use a seed grinder or food processor to grind up the seeds into a fine powder. Then, gradually add water to the powder until you create a paste. Mix the paste in with your curry to add a sweet touch to your meal.
3
Roast seeds for stir-fry dishes. Put fenugreek seeds into a pan. Cook them on a medium-high heat setting for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir them during the 1 to 2 minutes. Then, allow them to cool and put 1 tablespoon (15 ml) over your favorite stir-fry dish.^{[6]
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- You can also sprinkle the seeds over curry or salad.^{[7]
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  Expert Source
  
  John Burson
  Certified Nutritionist
  
  Expert Interview. 9 June 2021.}
- Fenugreek seeds taste better roasted or blended with spices.^{[8]
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  Expert Source
  
  John Burson
  Certified Nutritionist
  
  Expert Interview. 9 June 2021.}
Dr. Ameet Aggarwal, Integrative Medicine Doctor

Fenugreek seeds have been used for centuries in Eastern and Western medicine to treat digestive issues, manage diabetes, lower inflammation, and more. Modern research is now validating many of fenugreek's traditional therapeutic uses, in addition to uncovering exciting new potential applications.

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Ways to Incorporate Fenugreek Seeds into Meals

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Can you add fenugreek seeds to different recipes?

John Burson
Certified Nutritionist
John Burson is a Certified Nutritionist, Licensed Herbalist, and Certified Personal Trainer. With over 25 years of experience, John specializes in helping clients lose weight and live healthier lives. John graduated magna cum laude and received a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing from Grand Canyon University. He has also earned Thumbtack Top Pro honos for three consecutive years.

John Burson

Certified Nutritionist

Expert Answer

You can receive numerous health benefits from eating fenugreek seeds in soups, baked goods, salad, and curry. In powdered or crushed form, you can eat fenugreek in capsule form, pancakes, herbal tea, and bread.

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Is it good to eat a roasted fenugreek powder on an empty stomach in the morning? I am already skinny and don't want to lose weight.

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I wouldn't eat it on an empty stomach, but if you are interested in the other health benefits it offers, use it to season food.

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Can I take fenugreek powder with warm lemon water?

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Yes, as long as you are OK with the taste. With lemon, it will enhance the fat-burning process.

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Tips

You can purchase fenugreek seeds online and at most grocery stores.

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It’s also an option to make tea from ground fenugreek seeds.

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Warnings

Applying fenugreek seeds to your skin can cause mild irritation.

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Consumption of fenugreek seeds may cause upset stomach, gas, or diarrhea.

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