Description

Description of Pure Asafoetida
Appearance: In its pure form, asafoetida is a hard, resinous gum that comes in irregular chunks or “tears”. When fresh, it is grayish-white or milky-white, but it darkens to a deep yellow, red, or reddish-brown amber color as it ages and dries.
Smell: It is known for its intensely strong, pungent, and tenacious odor, often described as a mix of sulfur, rotten eggs, and a very aggressive onion/garlic smell. This smell leads to its common nicknames, such as “devil’s dung” or “stinking gum”.
Taste: The raw resin is acrid and bitter in taste.
Transformation when Cooked: The strong, unpleasant odor of raw asafoetida mellows out and transforms into a pleasant, savory, umami flavor reminiscent of leeks, onions, or garlic when it is heated in hot oil or ghee. A tiny pinch is typically enough to flavor an entire dish.