Asafoetida (Ferula assafoetida, family Apiaceae), alternative spelling asafetida (also known as devil's dung, stinking gum, asant, food of the gods, hing, and giant fennel) is a species of Ferula native to Iran.A popular spice in foods and medicines, being unique in blend and made with finest ingredients, Indian Asafoetida enjoys an exalted positions in the International market.
The two types of Asafoetidas used commonly are white and the dark. Though the composition of both varieties is the same, white Asafoetida is water-soluble while the dark one is fried in the oil and powdered for use in cuisines. Asafoetida is claimed to be an aphrodisiac and a preventive medicine for infectious diseases. It helps digestion and prevents flatulence.
Asafetida has certain medicinal uses and most commonly is used as a digestive aid. It is reputed to lessen flatulence and is often added to lentil or eggplant dishes in small quantities. It is also said to be helpful in cases of asthma and bronchitis. A folk tradition remedy for children's colds: it is mixed into a foul-smelling paste and hung in a bag around the afflicted child's neck. In Thailand it is used to aid babies' digestion and is smeared on the child's stomach in an alcohol tincture known as "mahahing." John C Duval reported in 1936 that the odor of asafetida is attractive to the wolf, a matter of common knowledge, he says, along the Texas/Mexican border.
1 comment:
i had no clue there was so much to the pinch of hing i add before cooking!!!
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