Asafoetida Asafetida - Hing Spice

Asafoetida asafetida is known as devil's dung, stinking gum. It is also refered to as 'Hing spice'. It is commonly known in Indian languages as Hing (Gujarathi, marathi, hindi) . in other languages, Ingu (Kannada), Ingua (Telgu) , Perungayam (Tamil) .

It is a native of Persia (Iran). It is a resin like gum from the dried sap that is extracted from the stem and roots. It is difficult to grate and is usually crushed and powdered. The fine powder from is available and usually contains wheat/rice flour and gum Arabic.

It has a unique pungent smell and flavor when raw. Some people find the raw smell unpleasant and overpowering but when the dish is cooked, it adds a smooth flavor similar to leeks, onions, garlic (though not exactly the same).

It is a 'must have spice' in the Indian cooking, vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian dishes, especially for the curries, be it vegetable curries, lentil curries. It also makes Indian pickles more inviting.

Only a pinch needs to be added. It is generally added to the cooking oil/ fat /ghee and fried for a few seconds. It gives a good taste and aroma like sauteed onions and garlic. A pinch can also be added to a little water and then added to the curry.

Apart from being used as a spice in cooking, it has many medicinal properties.

Medicinal uses of asafoetida asafetida:

It is used as a digestive aid in food. It is an antiflatulent and is used with lentil or eggplant / aubergine dishes and also in other beans , potato dishes which may produce more stomach gas.

It helps to treat stomach problems, yeast infections, flatulence. It is also useful for asthma and bronchitis , cold symptoms, chronic fatigue, as well as whooping cough.

It is also Antiepileptic.

According to Ayurveda (Indian medicine system), asafetida is one of the best spices for balancing the vata dosha(gas problem).

Storing Asafetida - Hing

Asafetida has very strong odor when raw / uncooked, you should store it in airtight container. It is available mostly in powder forms as it is easier to use in that form.

Hope you find this info about asafoetida - asafetida useful.

Related Pages to visit:

Garam Masala Recipe - used for many savory dishes.

Rasam Powder - South Indian Rasam - Served with rice or as an appitizer

Sambar Powder - Spice mix for the South Indian Sambar Recipe.

Chat Maslala - Spice powder to use with fruit snacks, a variety of chaats, juices, salads.

Go to "Indian Masala - Spices page

Go to Vegetarian Recipes Homepage from <">Asafoetida Asafetida page