Asafoetida (Ferula assa-foetida) powder is a strong-smelling spice derived from the dried latex of the asafoetida plant's roots. It is widely used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian cuisines, as well as in traditional medicine. Below are the general specifications for asafoetida powder:
Physical Properties:
Appearance: Fine, free-flowing powder
Color: Light yellow to brownish-yellow
Odor & Taste: Strong, pungent sulfurous aroma with a bitter taste
Texture: Smooth, uniform powder
Mesh Size: 80-120 mesh
Purity: 99% (export quality)
Chemical & Nutritional Properties (Per 100g):
Moisture Content: Max 10-12%
Resin Content: 40-65%
Gum Content: 20-30%
Volatile Oil Content: 3-10%
Carbohydrates: 60-70%
Protein Content: 4-8%
Fiber Content: 3-6%
Total Ash Content: Max 7-10%
Acid Insoluble Ash: Max 1.5%
Sulfur Compounds: Present in significant amounts (responsible for the pungency)
Microbiological Standards:
Total Plate Count: Max 50,000 CFU/g
Yeast & Mold: Max 500 CFU/g
Coliforms: <10 CFU/g
E. Coli: Absent
Salmonella: Absent
Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2): Max 10 ppb
Contaminants & Adulterants:
Pesticide Residues: As per country-specific regulations (FSSAI, EU, FDA)
Heavy Metals:
Lead (Pb): <0.2 ppm
Cadmium (Cd): <0.1 ppm
Arsenic (As): <0.1 ppm
Mercury (Hg): <0.05 ppm
Artificial Colors, Flavors & Preservatives: Must be absent
Adulteration: Should be free from starch, soapstone powder, and synthetic resins
Types of Asafoetida Powder:
Pure Asafoetida Powder: 100% resin ground into powder (very strong)
Compounded Asafoetida Powder: Mixed with edible starch, gum arabic, or wheat flour (less intense)
Applications of Asafoetida Powder:
Food Industry: Used in spice blends, curries, lentil dishes, and pickles
Pharmaceuticals & Ayurveda: Used for digestion, anti-inflammatory benefits, and respiratory health
Cosmetics & Personal Care: Used in traditional skincare and herbal formulations
Animal Feed & Pest Control: Sometimes used in herbal veterinary medicine
The Asafoetida (Ferula) family is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Apiaceae (Umbliferae). There are more than 160 species of Kovrak on Earth, 104 species in the Central Asian republics, and more than 50 species in Uzbekistan. The locals call it sassik kovrak, rova, ravshak, kamol, murcha kamol and other names depending on the different types of kovrak. There are 10 main types of resin glue used, such as foul fracture, rova, mountain fringe and other names, these species are very similar in appearance morphologically, but in nature foul fracture (Ferula assa-foetida) is common. The resin-glue produced in the republic and delivered to consumers is mainly of this type. Kovrak reaches a height of 1.5â??2 m, the root is up to 15â??20 cm thick, located deep in the beets. The plant stem grows and blooms once every 8-9 years â?? monocarp. The stem is erect, thick, branched at the top of the hollow inside. The rhizome leaves are banded, separated three times. The leaf segments are oblong, or lanceolate. The leaves on the stem are small, the outside is covered with a lot of feathers, and the stem is lined with hairs. The flowers are gathered in a complex umbrella. The flower is pale yellow, without cups, the crown is 5, the paternal is 5, the maternal node is two-chambered, located below. The fruit is a two-piece grain. It blooms in March-April, the fruits ripen in April-May. The aboveground parts of the plant live 1.5-2 months, depending on the growing environment and weather conditions
Nature & Nurture Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. is engaged in trading and supplying Hing, Ferula Foetida that is provided at reasonable rates. An antiflatulent, Asafoetida is quite suitable for reducing the growth of indigenous microflora in the gut, reducing flatulence. Asafoetida finds a vast usage as a medicine for flatulence & constipation. The proffered spice is a good digestive aid and helps in fighting influenza.
