Asafoetida / Hing

Asafoetida Powder is the dried latex excluded from the rhizome of species of Ferula, a perennial herb. The species is native to the deserts of Iran and Afghanistan and India. The Major producers of the Asafoetida Powder are India, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkistan.

Description:

Asafoetida is acrid and bitter in taste and emits a strong disagreeable pungent odor due to the presence of Sulphur compound therein. Since pure asafoetida is not preferred due to its strong flavor, it is mixed with starch and gum, and then sold as compounded asafoetida mostly in powder form.

Varieties:

There two varieties of asafoetida widely used worldwide is mentioned below

1)     Hing Kabuli Sufaid (Milky white asafoetida)

2)     Hing Lal (Red asafoetida)

The white or pale variety is water soluble, whereas the dark or black variety is oil soluble.

Storage:

Asafoetida can be stored in an airtight jar in a cool and dry place, and avoid exposure to the moisture It will remain useful for a year in dry conditions.

Use:

Asafoetida is used as a digestive aid, in food as a condiment, and in pickling. It is used as a flavoring agent in several cuisines. It is used to add flavor to meat preparation, curries, casseroles, fried vegetables, lentils, and stews. The asafoetida used to harmonize sweet, sour, salty, and spicy components in food.

Health Benefits:

There are many Health’s Benefits mentioned below,

• Prevent Hypertension
• Cure Respiratory Disorders
• Cure Nerve Disorder
• Improve Immune System
• Improve Digestion
• Prevent Heart Attack
• Prevent Asthma
• Prevent Constipation
• Prevent Diabetes
• Fight Inflammation
• Improve Liver Function
• Improve Kidney Function
• Improve Eye Sight
• Prevent Cancer

Nutritional Value of Asafoetida :

Nutritional Value of Asafoetida contains per 100gms is mentioned below:

Energy                                 297 kcal

Carbohydrates                   67.8 g

Fiber            4.1 g

Fat                                       1.1 g

Protein                                4 g

Vitamins

Niacin                                0.3 mg

Minerals

Calcium                             690 mg

Iron                                    39.4 mg

Magnesium                       80 mg

Manganese                        1.1 mg

Phosphorus                       50.0 mg

Copper                               0.4 mg

Asafoetida Properties:

Type: Powder & resin

Color: White & red

Flavor: Bitter & pungent