New crop for a growing market: Fenugreek
The American palate is ever expanding, and that’s thanks in large part to the wide variety of immigrants who now call the U.S. home. In bringing the flavors of the “old country” with them, they provide new flavors and even health benefits with crops not usually seen in American fields or farm stands.
Consider fenugreek, a multifaceted and ancient herb widely utilized in culinary, medicinal and industrial sectors, very often in India but also throughout Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The crop, also known as methi, presents significant potential for agricultural diversification and sustainable crop production, according to Dr. Naveen Dixit, Extension specialist and associate professor of Horticulture with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). He spoke about fenugreek cultivation on the Delmarva Peninsula at the most recent American Society for Horticultural Science conference.
His research focuses on the climatic requirements, planting methodologies, growth stages and prevalent diseases of fenugreek. The work seems worthwhile, as Dixit noted it is a top ethnic vegetable in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic region, with $174 million in imports recorded in 2023.
Most American plantings are under an acre. If the weather’s right, three plantings and harvests per year can occur.
Enhanced knowledge of fenugreek’s agronomic requirements – and challenges – could help growers optimize yields and ensure consistent availability of this versatile herb.
Fenugreek can be used as an herb (dried or fresh leaves), a spice (through its seeds) and as a vegetable (either its fresh leaves, sprouts or microgreens). Sotolon is the chemical responsible for the maple syrup scent of the plant.
In the U.S., fenugreek is grown in California, along the East Coast and in the Midwest. In New Jersey and Long Island and the Hudson Valley in New York, growers use high tunnels and greenhouses and can plant twice, in early spring and late summer. In the Midwest around Chicago, Detroit and Minneapolis, they use hoop houses and intensive beds, planting in late spring and early autumn.
In the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeast (Maryland, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts), growers use high and low tunnels in spring and late summer.
These fenugreek hubs usually have high concentration areas of South Asian/Middle Eastern communities. Per the 2020 census, Asian populations in the region totaled 9.42% in New Jersey, 8.35% in New York, 6.28% in Maryland, 6.22% in Virginia and 3.87% in Delaware.
Dixit explained that three crops per year is possible, as fenugreek has a 45- to 60-day plant-to-harvest window. Most growers are currently working in May to June; July to August; and September to November. (Frost resistance was observed in the crop, with no damage reported.)
Succession planting is recommended for a continuous crop harvest, sowing every 15 days. The optimum planting temperature is 75º to 81º, and prolific growth is seen at higher temps (82º – 95º during the day).
Fenugreek likes well-drained soil but it can tolerate many others, all within a pH range of 5.3 to 8.2. It is prone to drought and flooding and while it’s generally disease-resistant, a previous SARE project did observe bacterial leaf spot in wet conditions. At the UMES plot, Dixit reported finding Jimson weed as an issue, but no deer damage. Results indicated that high-density planting is crucial for effective weed management.
Most of the plants’ roots are in the first 10 inches of soil, but it can reach down to 20 inches. Despite the depth, Dixit said it harvests easily, by simply uprooting the crop. One square foot of planting can equal 1.05 lbs. of harvest.
A legume, fenugreek can fix nitrogen and therefore can also be used as a cover crop. The aforementioned SARE project, “Integration of Forage Fenugreek into the Northeast Cropping System,” was conducted by researchers at the University of Vermont to test its ability to be used as a forage crop for livestock. (You can find the final report at projects. sare.org/project-reports/ one04-018.)
As far as feeding people, though, a community survey among local Asian residents near UMES highlighted a strong interest in purchasing locally grown fenugreek leaves. To promote cultivation in the area, “Fenugreek Days” were organized at UMES, in Princess Anne, MD.
Dixit noted that because it’s still considered novel in the U.S., fenugreek even has U-pick/agritourism appeal.
While it may not work as a crop for every farmer or every market, fenugreek does show promise for some American growers. Weigh the pros and cons for your operation and see if it makes sense for you.
by Courtney Llewellyn
