Asafoetida Resin

Asafoetida is a gum resin extracted from the root of the Ferula assafoetida L. plant and widely used in the Middle East and by ancient civilizations, such as the Persians, ancient India, the Roman Empire, among others.

Asafoetida is also known as ferula, giant fennel, devil’s dung, and its name is due to the strong and striking smell that its resin gives off.

The plant from which it comes reaches maturity around four years of age. When it is harvested, its stem is cut near the root, producing a milky liquid, which in contact with air solidifies and becomes a gum or resinous mass.

This resin is placed to dry and acquires a reddish brown color; At that moment, the resin begins to give off an intense and unpleasant aroma, similar to onion or garlic, since it contains a sulfur compound.

When the resin has dried completely, it is broken into small pieces or ground to obtain a fine powder.

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Traditional use of Asafoetida

Burned as incense, asafoetida is used as a powerful purifying and protective agent. In Indian tradition, asafoetida is often associated with the solar plexus chakra, responsible for personal power, confidence and self-esteem.

In India it is used especially by a caste of Hindus, and by followers of Jainism and also Hare Krishna. In most vegetarian dishes it is used to add flavor and aroma.

In addition to its use in cooking, asafoetida is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine as a condiment, dosed in small quantities. When sautéing, it is added with fat or oil, so that it releases its properties. It is important to be careful when using Asafoetida; The amount used in cooking is very small and it is necessary to follow a specific recipe.

Asafoetida should be stored in an airtight glass container to prevent sulfur vapors from escaping.