asafetida powder Usually sold as a pale green powder, this Indian flavoring (hing in Hindi) comes from the rhizomes of a species of giant fennel. It is used in Indian recipes and is available from South Asian groceries, either as the powder or as an odorless blackish lump. The powder has an unpleasant smell on its own but adds an appetizing lightly oniony aroma and taste when fried in oil. It is especially common in dishes where no onion or garlic is used. It keeps indefinitely in a well-sealed container.
