Asafoetida is the dried latex (gum oleoresin) exuded from the rhizome or tap root of several species of Ferula, perennial herbs growing 1 to 1.5 m (3 to 5 ft) tall. They are part of the celery family, Umbelliferae. Asafoetida is thought to be in the same genus as silphium, a North African plant now believed to be extinct, and was used as a cheaper substitute for that historically important herb from classical antiquity. The species are native to the deserts of Iran and mountains of Afghanistan where substantial amounts are grown.
About this item
- Asafoetida (Ferula asafoetida) is the dried sap — or gum resin — obtained from the roots of Ferula plants.
- It’s commonly dried, ground into a coarse, yellow powder, and used for either culinary or medicinal purposes.
- While it’s native to Afghanistan and Iran, asafoetida is commonly used in Indian cuisine, where it’s referred to as hing.
- As a seasoning, asafoetida is known for its strong, pungent odor, which is due to its high concentration of sulfur compounds.
- Asafoetida has been found to be a good source of antioxidants.
- Asafoetida is a plant that has a bad smell and tastes bitter. It is sometimes called “devil’s dung.”
- People use asafoetida resin, a gum-like material, as medicine.
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