Gum Asafoetida

Asafoetida is the dried latex (gum oleoresin) exuded from the living underground rhizome or tap root of several species of Ferula (three of which grow in India), which is a perennial herb (1 to 1.5 mtr. High). The species are distributed from the Mediterranean region to Central Asia. In India it is grown in Kashmir and in some parts of Punjab. The major supply of Asafoetida to India is from Afghanistan and Iran. There are two main varieties of Asafoetida ie. Hing Kabuli Sufaid (Milky white Asafoetida) and Hing Lal (Red Asafoetida). Asafoetida is acrid and bitter in taste and emits a strong disagreeable pungent odor due to the presence of Sulphur compounds therein. The white or pale variety is water soluble, whereas the dark or black variety is oil soluble. Since pure Asafoetida is not preferred due to its strong flavour, it is mixed with starch and gum and sold as compounded Asafoetida mostly in bricked form. It is also available in free flowing (Powder form) or in tablet forms. Asafoetida is extensively used for flavouring curries, sauces, and pickles. It is also used in medicines because of its antibiotic properties.

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:

Asafoetida is the dried latex (gum oleoresin) exuded from the living underground rhizome or tap root of several species of Ferula (three of which grow in India), which is a perennial herb(1 to 1.5 mtr High). The species are distributed from the Mediterranean region to central Asia. In India, it is grown in Kashmir and in some parts of Punjab. The major supply of Asafoetida to India is from Afghanistan and Iran. There are two main varieties of Asafoetida ie. Hing Kabuli Sufaid (Milky white Asafoetida) and HingLal (Red Asafoetida). Asafoetida is acrid and bitter in taste and emits a strong disagreeable pungent odor due to the presence of Sulphur compounds therein. The white or pale variety is water-soluble, whereas the dark or black variety, is oil soluble. Since pure Asafoetida is not preferred due to its strong �avour, it is mixed with starch and gum and sold as compounded Asafoetidamostly in bricked form. It is also available in free sowing (Powder form)printable forms. Asafoetida is extensively used for favouring curries, sauces, and pickles. It is also used in medicines because of its antibiotic properties.