Asafetida comes from parsley family (Apiaceae). It has a very strong repugnant smell. Dried asafetida consists mostly of a resin. The resin (pure form) should be fried in hot oil. This changes the taste to a more pleasant impression. Use less than a pea-sized amount to flavour a dish for 5 people. The powdered asafetida (asafetida powder) is the resin mixed with rice flour and therefore much less strong in flavor, but more easy in using.
It is a popular spice in India and Persia. It was popular in Europe in the Middle Ages to flavour barbecued mutton.
Nutritional Values of Asafetida (Asafoetida)
Parameters | Value per 100g |
| Moisture Protein Fat Minerals Fibre Carbohydrates Energy Calcium Phosphorus Iron | 16.000 gm 4.000 gm 1.100 gm 7.000 gm 4.100 gm 67.800 gm 297.000 K cal 690.000 mg 50.000 mg 39.400 mg |
| Vitamins | |
| Carotene Riboflavin Niacin | 4.000 µg 0.040 mg 0.300 mg |
| Minerals & Trace Elements | |
| Magnesium Copper Manganese Zinc Chromium | 80.000 mg 0.430 mg 1.120 mg 0.830 mg 0.079 mg |