12 - Asafetida

Abstract

Asafoetida or Asafetida is the dried latex, oleogum or oleoresin exuded from the taproots of perennial herbs belonging to many species of the genus Ferula, of the family Umbeliferacaea. There are about 60 species of the genus Ferula, found mainly in three geographical areas, Central Asia, Europe and North Africa. Central Asia is the main source of asafetida and Afghanistan and Iran are the major producers in this region. The trade name, asafetida, is based on the scientific name of one of the most important species, Ferula asafetida. This chapter discusses botany, forms and varieties, production, world trade, chemical constituents, processing and main uses of asafetida. The most important uses of asafetida are as flavoring and in traditional medicines. Both uses are common in India, but in China asafetida is used only for certain medicinal preparations. In Iran and Afghanistan, where most of the production comes from, it is used in some foods and medicines. In other Asian countries, asafetida is used in local medicines on a small scale. As a flavoring, asafetida can be used either directly in curries or added after it has been fried in oil or steeped in water.