Fenugreek is constituted by dried mature seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. The seeds are smooth, oblong to rhomboidal in outline, with a deep, oblique furrow on one side, yellow to yellowish-brown in colour, the size and shape being characteristic of the type and variety. The seeds shall not be black or green.

The aroma or flavour of fenugreek seeds shall be characteristic of fenugreek. The material shall be free from foreign taste and aroma or flavour as well as from any musty odour. The flavour of ground (powdered) fenugreek shall be farinaceous and very bitter. Ground (powdered) fenugreek shall be free from rancidity.