Asafoetida

Asafoetida, also known as asafetida and hing, is a staple ingredient in Indian cooking and most commonly used in vegetarian recipes. Its pungent smell can make this powder seem off-putting, but rest assured it dissipates while cooking, bringing a full, savory flavor to foods.

Asafoetida is a pungent spice used in cooking, in addition to being consumed as a digestive aid. Native to Central Asia, particularly Iran and India, asafoetida comes from a very unusual source. It’s made by scraping the sap from the exposed root of a plant in the carrot family. The sap is dried and crushed, giving us a tan-colored powder to sprinkle into our dishes.

The sap contains many of the same sulfur compounds found in onions. It has a strong odor when dry, which many sources say is reminiscent of washed-rind cheeses or body odor. Not to worry – when the spice is added during cooking, it mellows out into a gentle flavor.

It’s essential to store asafoetida in an airtight container as its strong aroma can affect nearby spices and foods. When kept in a cool, dry, and dark location it can last up to one year.

How To Use Asafoetida

Asafoetida is used in savory dishes, often to add a more full flavor by mimicking the taste of onions, garlic, egg, and even meat. It’s a staple ingredient in Indian cooking, commonly used along with turmeric in lentil dishes like dal, and a variety of vegetable dishes.

Benefits

While studies on asafoetida are quite limited, early research suggests that it may have additional benefits, including:

• Antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial effects. Test-tube studies have found asafoetida help protect against potential pathogens, such as various strains of Streptococcus bacteria.

• Help lower blood pressure. Asafoetida may help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.

• Anticancer effects. Test-tube studies have shown a potential for asafoetida to help stop the growth and spread of certain cancer cells, including breast and liver cancer.

• Protect brain health. Several studies have found asafoetida may help protect against memory loss and nerve damage in the brain.

• Help ease asthma symptoms. Studies have shown that asafoetida has a relaxing effect on airway smooth muscles, which is important in the treatment of asthma.

• Help lower blood sugar levels. One study found 50 mg/kg of asafoetida extract to reduce fasting blood sugar levels.