Monday, September 26, 2011

What is Asafoetida (hing) ?

Asafoetida is a plant from the Apiaceae family, which includes carrots, parsley, dill, celery, caraway, fennel, and lovage. Most similar in appearance to fennel, asafoetida smells like rotting feet, which causes many cooks to feel nervous about using the herb. In fact, some countries refer to asafoetida as Devil's Dung because of the foul smell.
Native to the Middle East, asafoetida is a perennial plant that grows about six feet (1.83 m) high and bears bright yellow clusters of flowers. The hollow stem and roots of the asafoetida plant house a milky substance that is rich in organic sulfur. This substance is sometimes dried and blended with rice flour to create a flour that is used in cooking. Asafoetida flour has grown in popularity in the United States and has been used worldwide for years. In India, for example, asafoetida is used in all lentil dishes, primarily because the herb is known to prevent and alleviate smelly flatulence.
Though it smells offensive, asafoetida tastes much like a combination of strong onions with a touch of earthy truffles. The rich, distinctive taste is popular with many chefs because it can be used in a variety of applications, including in soups and stews. Many cooks enjoy adding a pinch of asafoetida powder while stir-frying vegetables and meats.
As a strong tasting herb, a small amount of asafoetida goes a long way. Therefore, large quantities are not needed for most recipes. Typically, the herb can be purchased for as little as 5 US Dollars (USD) for a small jar.
Asafoetida has been used as a medicinal herb for many decades, with some people choosing to make a tea from it in order to drink it plain. Despite its pungent aroma, asafoetida is known to alleviate stomach ailments, cold symptoms, anxiety issues, chronic fatigue, yeast infections, and painful gas and flatulence. Some research suggests that a regular dose of asafoetida before and during early pregnancy can help lessen the risk of miscarriage.
Asafoetida cannot be eaten raw. Eating raw asafoetida root can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting. In the United States, powder is the only form of asafoetida available for purchase.

3 comments:

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  3. There Are Many Different Types Of Spices That Are Commonly Used In Cooking, Each With Their Own Unique Flavor And Aroma. Some Of The Most Common Spices Include:

    Allspice - It has a warm, sweet, and pungent flavor that is often used in baked goods and pickling.
    Basil - A sweet and slightly peppery herb that is commonly used in Mediterranean and Thai cooking.
    Bay leaves - A slightly bitter herb that is used to add depth and complexity to soups, stews, and sauces.
    Cardamom - A sweet and slightly bitter spice that is used in sweet and savory dishes, especially in Indian and Scandinavian cuisine.
    Cinnamon - A warm and sweet spice that is often used in baked goods and desserts.
    Cloves - A strong and sweet spice that is used in sweet and savory dishes, especially in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine.
    Cumin - A slightly bitter and earthy spice that is often used in Mexican and Indian cooking.
    Coriander - A sweet and slightly citrusy herb that is used in many cuisines, especially Mexican and Indian.
    Ginger - A spicy and slightly sweet root that is used in savory dishes, as well as in sweets and beverages.
    Mustard seeds - A pungent spice that is used in pickling and in many sauces, especially in Indian and European cuisine.
    Nutmeg - A warm and slightly sweet spice that is often used in baked goods, eggnog, and sauces.
    Oregano - A slightly bitter herb that is commonly used in Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine.
    Paprika - A slightly sweet and smoky spice that is used in many dishes, especially in Hungarian and Spanish cuisine.
    Red pepper flakes - A hot and spicy spice that is used to add heat to dishes, especially in Italian cuisine.
    Rosemary - A slightly bitter herb that is often used in Mediterranean and French cuisine.
    Thyme - A slightly lemony herb that is often used in soups, stews, and sauces.
    These are just a few of the many types of spices by the best spices supplier from India which are used in cooking, and the specific uses for each can vary depending on the cuisine and dish.

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