Asafoetida is a spice that is extracted from the roots of the plant of the same name. It grows in the high mountains of Afghanistan and is widely used in India.
The spice, also known as asafoetida, has an unpleasant smell and can repel anyone who comes across it for the first time. In the Middle East, India and Afghanistan, asafoetida is called "the spice of the gods."
Asafoetida is essentially a resin that is dried and ground into a powder. It is then mixed with rice flour to soften the pungent smell. Pure resin is sold in India, but it must be fried in butter before cooking, again to reduce the aroma.
Composition of asafoetida
Asafoetida contains 40-64% resin, essential oil, certain percentage of ash, ferulic acid, umbelliferone and some unidentified compounds.
Asafoetida selection and storage
Asafoetida is not a very common spice in some countries. It can only be found in certain specialized stores. It is mainly found in the form of powder.
Store asafoetida in a dry and cool place, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep it tightly closed, so that its aroma is not lost.
Cooking with asafoetida
Asafoetida has a very interesting taste, which combines the aroma of onion, garlic and has a slightly sour aftertaste. It is an indispensable spice in Indian and Ayurvedic cuisine, where onions and garlic are not used much. It successfully combines both flavors.
It is ideal for flavoring various types of curries, lentils, pilafs, chickpea-based dishes. When mixed with a little salt, it makes an ideal salad dressing. Asafoetida is an ideal seasoning for hard-to-digest foods, such as most types of beans.
As mentioned, the aroma of asafoetida is not very pleasant, but after it is fried or heated, it acquires a mild and pleasant taste. It is used in side dishes, vegetable dishes, toasted sandwiches. It is enough to use a very small amount of asafoetida to flavor dishes. Asafoetida successfully replaces onion and garlic in food, because its taste is precisely a combination of their two flavors.
This spice, known in Indian cuisine, definitely has many healthy properties.
Asafoetida benefits
Asafoetida is an ideal remedy for flu and indigestion. It improves the intestinal flora and normalizes the functions of the stomach and intestines. Asafoetida removes toxins and helps expel gas from the colon.
It has a calming effect on the nervous system and reduces stress. According to Ayurveda, if you use asafoetida in your food, your character will become more balanced and calm, relations with relatives will be normalized. Regular intake of asafoetida improves the color of the face, smoothes wrinkles and makes the skin more elastic.
According to Ayurveda, for pain in the ear canal, you can put a small piece of asafoetida wrapped in cotton. Its vapors reduce pain.
For angina, mix a pinch of asafoetida and 1/2 tsp. turmeric with a glass of warm water. Gargle with the resulting solution. The antiseptic properties of these spices help speed up recovery.
To relieve a toothache, a pinch of asafoetida is dissolved in 1/2 tsp. lemon juice and it is heated very slightly. A tampon is moistened with the mixture and placed on the bad tooth.
Asafoetida is mixed with olive oil and applied to places of poisonous insect bites. Inhaling the spice protects against hysterical attacks. The spice is also used to increase potency. Asafoetida is suitable for the treatment of an initial form of cataract in the form of an ointment.
Asafoetida damage
Asafoetida should not be used in case of high fever, pregnancy and rashes.
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