Asafoetida

This spice comes from the creamy sap from the root of a giant plant of the fennel family, and dries to a hard resin. Used in powder form as a flavour enhancer in Middle Eastern and Indian cooking, in curries, fish and vegetable stews, and pickles. Use in very small quantities as it has a strong sulphurous odour and taste. It is an effective anti-flatulent. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 year. Also known as devil’s dung, giant fennel, heeng and stinking gum.