Asafoetida is a resinous gum of a perennial herb. It has a strong
pungent smell when raw but delivers a rich taste to the cooked food.
It comes in powder and used in a very small quantity. It is known as
devil's dung, stinking gum and food of the god.
It was familiar with Mediterranean and having come from the land across
Iran. This herb is common ingredient in every kitchen. Though it is now
forgotten in Europe and is now extensively used in Indian kitchen.
It has various varieties which are distributed from Mediterranean to
central Asia.