Asafoetida
Description
Asafoetida
is the dried gum like substance (gum oleoresin) taken from the
underground rhizome or tap root of various species of Ferula. Of
these, three are grown in India. it is a perennial herb that grows
to a height of 1 to 1.5 meters.
Origin & Distribution
Asafoetida
can be found from the Mediterranean region to Central Asia. In
India it is grown in Kashmir and in some parts of Punjab.India
depends mainly on Afghanistan and Iran for meeting its requirement
of asafoetida.
The
two main varieties of asafoetida are Hing Kabuli Sufaid (Milky
white asafoetida) and Hing Lal (Red asafoetida). Asafoetida is
acrid and bitter in taste and emits a strong disagreeable pungent
smell due to the presence of sulphur compounds. While the white or
pale variety is water soluble, the dark or black variety is oil
soluble.
Because
of its strong flavour, pure asafoetida is not used. it is diluted
with starch and gum and sold as compounded asafoetida usually in
the bricket form. It is also available as free flowing
powder.
Uses
Asafoetida is used as a flavouring agent in curries, sauces, and
pickles. Because of its antibiotic properties, It is also used in
medicines.
