Asafoetida

Asafoetida, which is also called hing, comes from the resin of a giant fennel plant. It is a distinctive pungent spice commonly found in powdered form. When cooked it has a truffle-like flavour and roasted garlic aroma. It is usually used in Indian vegetarian lentil and bean type dishes at the start of the cooking process when it is fried in hot oil before other spices and ingredients are added. Asafoetida is said to help ease asthma and is also used for digestion problems including intestinal gas, upset stomach and irritable bowel syndrome.