Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa) is a perennial plant from the Fabaceae family, being an important crop worldwide for fodder. It is used in pastures, hayfields and silos. Alfalfa superficially resembles clover - being part of the same family - especially in the case of young plants, when trifoliate leaves predominate. Alfalfa sprouts are a common ingredient in Indian cuisine. Alfalfa appears to have originated in south-central Asia, and was first cultivated in ancient Iran. Then it was brought to Greece when the country was invaded by the Persians.