Asafoetida is a plant from the Apiaceae family, which includes carrots, parsley, dill, celery, caraway, fennel, and lovage. Most similar in appearance to fennel, asafoetida smells like rotting onions, which causes many cooks to feel nervous about using the herb. In fact, some countries refer to asafoetida as Devil's Dung because of the foul smell.

Native to the Middle East, asafoetida is a perennial plant that grows about six feet (1.83 m) high and bears bright yellow clusters of flowers. The hollow stem and roots of the asafoetida plant house a milky substance that is rich in organic sulfur. This substance is sometimes dried and blended with rice flour to create a flour that is used in cooking. Asafoetida flour has grown in popularity in the United States and has been used worldwide for years. In India, for example, asafoetida is used in all lentil dishes, primarily because the herb is known to prevent and alleviate smelly flatulence.

Though it smells offensive, asafoetida tastes much like a combination of strong onions with a touch of earthy truffles. The rich, distinctive taste is popular with many chefs because it can be used in a variety of applications, including in soups and stews. Many cooks enjoy adding a pinch of asafoetida powder while stir-frying vegetables and meats.

Historically Asafoetida has been used to support stomach problems.

Ingredients: Fenugreek, asafoetida, gum arabic, and turmeric root

CONTAINS NO: Artificial coloring, artificial flavor, preservatives, gluten, yeast, corn, milk or milk derivatives, lactose, salt, sodium, soy, sugar, starch.

WARNING: If you are pregnant, nursing or taking any medications, consult your doctor before use. Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur. NOT INTENDED FOR USE BY PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18.

Powder Ingredients: Asafoetida (ferula assa-foetida) blended with a maximum 60% fenugreek seed powder (trigonella foenum-graecum). Gluten-Free.
Essential Oil listed above as "Other". Dilute before use; for external use only. May cause skin irritation in some individuals; a skin test is recommended prior to use.
Origin: India
aka: Devil's Dung, Food of the Gods 
Notes: Star K Kosher. Non-irradiated. Non-GMO. Cultivated grown and processed without chemical fertilizers or pesticides.