AsafoetidaSulfurousGarlic-likeMetallic

Asafoetida

AsafoetidaSulfurous Garlic-like Metallic

The flavour of asafoetida is dominated by sulphurous flavour compounds, giving it the name ‘stinking gum’. When thoroughly heated, the strong smell dissipates and the flavour changes to something reminiscent of onions or garlic. Used to replace onions and garlic in cooking, asafoetida gives a smooth deepening flavour to a cooked dish.

Flavor chart asafoetida
Allspice
Jar of Asafoetida

Asafoetida

‘Devil’s dung’ is another name used for the spice asafoetida. The name asafoetida is derived from the Latin language and translates as ‘stinking resin’. The resin is obtained from the sap of the taproot of the Ferula assa-foetida. Native to Iran and Afghanistan, the main producer nowadays is India, where the spice was introduced in the 16th century by the Mughals. This pungent spice is indispensable in Indian and Iranian cooking, the flavour of asafoetida becomes more like that of fried garlic and onion. Asafoetida is therefore used in India to replace onion and garlic in dishes for people who do not consume onions and garlic for religious reasons.

Asafoetida has been prized as medicine in the traditional medicine systems of India where it is used to treat dozens of conditions, like epilepsy & asthma. A common household remedy in India for stomach issues, asafoetida is also been used as an antispasmodic, and to treat hysteria.

The beneficial properties of asafoetida that aid the digestion are several. When consumed, asafoetida stimulates the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas and has a protective effect on the stomach and liver. Animal studies have shown that asafoetida heals and protects against stomach ulcers. Asafoetida is traditionally used to expel parasites from the intestinal tract, and it is a potent muscle relaxant.

Traditionally used to treat all kinds of neurological disorders like hysteria, depression, and stress, asafoetida has a positive effect on the brain and nerves. Asafoetida can prevent the memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Dietary usage of asafoetida can be utilized as an additional treatment together with common prescribed medications for Alzheimer’s disease. Some of the compounds present in asafoetida may also have a prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Asafoetida protects the brain and nerves from damage.

Asafoetida also affects your hormones. For men, asafoetida can increase the number of healthy and viable sperm cells. For women, asafoetida is considered useful for several woman ailments. It can offer relief with excessive, painful menstruation, and in India asafoetida is given to mothers after delivery for relief. In high doses, not in culinary amounts, asafoetida works as an anti-conceptive.

Compounded AsafoetidaA chunk of pure asafoetida resin must be kept in an airtight container, otherwise the smell can contaminate your other spices. The most commonly available form of asafoetida is compounded asafoetida powder, a fine powder which contains 30% asafoetida. The rest is usually made up of rice or wheat flour, check the labels if you suffer from coeliac disease. Some of the benefits summed up:

  • Asafoetida relaxes the smoot muscles, alleviating troubles with breathing.

  • Asafoetida is a neuroprotective agent.

  • Asafoetida aids the digestion.

  • Asafoetida can lower a high blood pressure.

  • Asafoetida is an antioxidant.

  • Asafoetida is an anti-inflammatory.

  • Asafoetida may help in the treatment and prevention of cancer.

  • Asafoetida can lower a high blood sugar.

  • Asafoetida can lower high cholesterol levels.

  • Asafoetida can increase the sperm count.

  • Asafoetida can give relief with all kinds of women’s ailments.

  • Asafoetida is an antiviral.

  • Asafoetida is anti-fungal.

Resources:

Biological activities and medicinal properties of Asafoetida: a review.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5506628/

 

Beyond the flavor: A green formulation of Ferula asafoetida oleo-gum-resin with fenugreek dietary fibre and its gut health potential.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5615140/

 

Ferula asafoetida: traditional uses and pharmacological activity

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3459456/

FoodEd logo

Get in touch

Telephone

(+351) 915802903

Social media

Applelogo80px