Asafoetida
Asafoetida (Ferula assa-foetida) is a plant of the carrot family (Apiaceae) and is cultivated in Khorasan and Balochestan (in Iran).
Through the circular, but also vertical scratching of the root and stems, resin comes out, which is left to dry. This procedure is done in June and July for about 10 to 16 times per plant. About 70 grams of resin is obtained from one plant, which is mainly used for the production of medicaments.
Asafetida is mainly used as a grinded product. Asafetida is available in small jars or packed.
Often, the spice is mixed up with flour or cornstarch. In India, Asafoetida is used as spice for sauces, pickles and chutneys, as well as legumes and fish.
In small quantities metered, it reinforces other spices and flavors, but it should never be used together with onions; The flavour would be too intense. Often, people eat leaves and stems of it as a vegetable.
However, asafetida is not only used as a spice, but also as medicine. It has a calming effect, stimulates the nervous system and the secretion of sex hormones, and is antispasmodic and supports the treatment of stomach, liver and gall bladder.
The plant is only from the age of about 5 - 7 years available for harvest.