Asafoetida gum
Gum resin obtained from the roots and rhizomes of the stinking fern (Ferula assa-foetida), found in northern India, Iran and Afghanistan.
It has an intense, characteristic smell, compared to onion, although it has a more subtle aroma. Due to its strong smell, it is used in small quantities. The intense unpleasant smell disappears during cooking. In India, it is used by people who do not eat onions or garlic for religious reasons. In Europe, it is most often used in vegetarian cuisine.
Today, mainly in the East, asafoetida is used as a spice. It is a component of many masalas – spice mixtures characteristic of Indian cuisine. When it occurs in the form of resin conglomerates, it requires grinding before use. Also available in powder form – powdered and mixed with white flour.