Description :
Asafoetida is the dried latex (gum oleoresin) exuded from the living underground rhizome or tap root of several species of Ferula (three of which grow in India), which is a perennial herb (1 to 1.5 mtr. high).
There are two main varieties of asafoetida i.e. Hing Kabuli Sufaid (Milky white asafoetida) and Hing Lal (Red asafoetida). Asafoetida is acrid and bitter in taste and emits a strong disagreeable pungent odour due to the presence of sulphur compounds therein. It is available in three forms i.e. 'Tears', 'Mass' and 'Paste'. 'Tears', is the purest form of resin, rounded or flattened, 5 to 30 mm in diameter and a greyish or dull yellow in colour. 'Mass' asafoetida is the common commercial form, uniform in mass. 'Paste' form contains extraneous matter.
In India it is grown in Kashmir and in some parts of Punjab and Arunachal Pradesh. The major supply of asafoetida to India is from Afghanistan and Iran.
Scientific Names :
Botanical name
Family name
Commercial part
Ferula asafoetida
IZingiberaceae
Oleogum sresin extracted from rhizome and thickened root
Usage :
Asafoetida is extensively used for flavoring curries, sauces, and pickles. It is also used in medicines because of its antibiotic properties. It is also used in perfumery.
