Giant fennel, devil's dung, asant, food of the gods, hing, and stinking gum.
Description:
Asafoetida is native to Iran. The spice is made from the dried resin like gum that comes from within the stem. When made into a ghee the smell and flavor will resemble sautéed onion or garlic. Some special diets and India don't eat onions and garlic, for these diets this spice is used as a substitute.
Uses:
This spice has a strong pungent odor but when heated in oil, to make a ghee, the flavor will become much more pleasant and taste and smell similar to sautéed onion or garlic. Good in vegetarian cooking with legumes or vegetables like cauliflower.
Storage:
Must be stored in airtight containers, asafoetida has a pungent odor and can contaminate other spices stored near by if not stored properly.
Interesting Facts:
A common know fact around the Texas/Mexican border is the smell of asafoetida is attractive to the wolf. Often used as a digestive aid to reduce flatulence, small amounts will be added to lentil dishes not just for it's flavor but for its digestive aid properties.
I think this is the same stuff that my mom use to wrap in a little cloth and pin it in my shirt!!!! I think it was suppose to keep you from catching germs!!!! Probably no one could get near you for the odor! LOL!!!!! I think it was common practice back in those days. Now I am telling my age!!!
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