Concise Herb Guide (Concise Guide) by Bloomsbury

Author:Bloomsbury
Language: eng
Format: azw3
ISBN: 9781472922373
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Published: 2015-05-21T04:00:00+00:00

Asafoetida

Ferula assa-foetida

SIZE AND DESCRIPTION

Foul-smelling yellowish perennial to 2m tall, with stout grooved stems and thick roots. Leaves are to 35cm long, and deeply 2–4-times divided. Flowers are pale greenish-yellow and produced in large and flat compound umbels; flower spikes can reach 4m in height. Flowers are followed by fruits 1.2cm long. Roots are thick and pulpy. Also called Devil’s Dung, Stinking Gum, Hing, Food of the Gods and Giant Fennel.

DISTRIBUTION

Native to Iran; also cultivated in India and Afghanistan.

USES

Asafoetida is a waxy gum resin derived from the root and stem of this and two similar species. As a condiment, mainly used in Persian, Afghan and Indian cuisines, especially in vegetarian dishes. Plant smells strongly due to the presence of sulphur compounds, but the smell disappears after cooking. Used for digestive complaints and lowering blood pressure, and in veterinary medicine.

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