Irani Heeng

Botanical Name: Ferula Asafoetida
Family Name: Umbelliferae
Commercial Part: Resin extracted from rhizome and thickened root
Hindi : Hing
German : Asafoetida (Hing) Pulver
Dutch : Asafoetida Powder
Italian : Polvere di Asafoetida
French : Ferule Asafoetida
Spanish : Polvo Hing
 
Asafoetida, commonly known as "Hing" is an extremely aromatic extracted from the roots of a wild medicinal plant called "ferula", a perennial herb native to desert of Iran and also distributed from the Mediterranean region to central Asia.
As its name suggests, asafoetida has a fetid smell, but in cooked dishes it delivers a smooth flavour reminiscent of leeks. The spice is used as a digestive aid, in food as a condiment, and in pickling. It is an ancient Indian culinary ingredient, loaded with immense health benefits. This potent smelling spice is commonly used in Persian and Indian cooking for flavouring, food preservation and fragrance. Asafoetida is extensively used for flavouring curries, sauces, pickles, chola, sambhar etc. From being used in warding away the evil eye to soothing stomach ailments, this spice has significant contribution to cultures around the world. But in cuisines, its pungent and strong aroma is put to good use as a replacement for onion and garlic. It gives off a smooth and robust flavour when released in hot oil. ‘Compounded Hing' remains an integral part of Indian Cuisine, Culture & heritage. Indian cuisine has a special emphasis on the ingredients and the spices to be used in cooking. It is one of the few spices that keep Indian cuisine apart from the other. It has a strong pungent aroma that invokes the hunger and balances the flavours in the dishes.
 
Asafoetida is an amazing spice and has a prominent place in traditional medicine. It has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulant, anti-flatulent, anti-spasmodic, expectorant, diuretic and anti-carcinogenic properties that help alleviate problem like indigestion, upset stomach, intestinal gas, intestinal worms, flatulence and irritable bowel syndrome. Its powder with buttermilk is very famous Indian home remedy for bloating. Since pure asafoetida is not preferred due to its strong flavour, it is sold as compounded asafoetida. We at Shudh Gold are making honest efforts to bring over high quality, handmade "Hing" which will bring a mysterious flavour and aroma to your kitchen.