Asafoetida

Asafoetida (Ferula asafoetida) is a pungent Middle Eastern and Indian spice that is produced from the sap released from the stalks of the giant fennel plant. The gummy sap is cooked into a resin and processed into a powder or a granular form; the powder is usually mixed into food, whilst the granular form is more commonly used as a rub for meats.

Asafoetida has an extremely pungent aroma that is similar to rotting garlic or onions, although this powerful smell dissipates somewhat on cooking, providing a distinctive onions flavour to dishes such as meat, fish, soups, stews and vegetables. It is also added to flavour curries, chutneys, sauces and pickles. Due to its overpowering smell and taste, asafoetida should only be used in small quantities. It should also be stored in an airtight container to prevent its aroma from contaminating other foods.

Asafoetida may also be referred to as asafetida, assafetida, assafoetida, assa foetida, asafotida, devil's dung, devil's dirt, food of the gods, hing, hingu, heeng, and stinking gum.