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The Asafoetida Plant
Imagine a giant fennel plant growing in the forest. An erect, 12-foot perennial with fine leaves, a fleshy taproot, and little yellow flowers, asafoetida is a species of giant fennel, and it grows naturally in large forests in Iran. Its botanical name, Ferula assafoetida, comes from the Latin foetidus, meaning "stinking," and the Persian aza, meaning "mastic" or "resin." (To obtain the resin, the upper root of the plant is cut; a milky liquid oozes out and when it dries, the grayish-white resin is collected. As it dries, the resin turns dark yellow.)
True to the love-it or hate-it nature of the spice, it's known as both "devil's dung" and "food of the gods.") Native to the deserts of Iran and Asia, it's now cultivated in Kashmir.
A Glance Back
Appreciated as a spice in ancient Rome, asafoetida was also thought to enhance the voices of court singers (who ate a spoonful of it with butter) during the Indian Mughal Dynasty. In 4 BC, Alexander the Great brought "stink finger" west.
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Using Asafoetida
One has to wonder how asafoetida--a spice notoriously pungent and unpleasant smelling--ever found its way to the spice rack. Taste it straight out of the jar, and you won't find the flavor appealing, either--similar to rotten garlic, perhaps. Nevertheless, asafoetida is widely used to add an onion-like flavor to cooked foods. (The scent does dissipate during cooking!) Let's say it's an acquired taste.
Iranian and Indian cooks (especially in the south and west) prize asafoetida, and it's particularly relied upon in the Jain and Brahim castes, where onion and garlic are forbidden. You'll want to stock asafoetida in your kitchen if you're fond of Indian food. But you might also want to give it a try (sparingly) in any vegetarian soups, pickles, or fish dishes. It's also good with grains and lentils. Use it to enhance other flavors, or as a replacement for garlic and onions. Make sure you keep the jar covered, so that the smell doesn't affect nearby spices.
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Commercially, asafoetida is often used in Worcestershire sauce and nonalcoholic beverages, frozen dairy desserts, candy, baked good, gelatins, puddings, meats, and condiments.
Buy asafoetida now! |
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