Ferula asafoetida Asafoetida (Umbelliferae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Ferula asafoetida
Asafoetida
(1 Page of 5)

The Ferula asafoetida plant species is found in W. Asia - Afghanistan to Iran. It is a member of the Umbelliferae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Asafoetida.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Ferula asafoetida
Common Name:  Asafoetida
Family:  Umbelliferae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  2   Mature Width:  1.5

Habitat:  Deserts[74].

Edible Uses: Leaves and young shoots - cooked as a vegetable[2, 4, 177, 183]. The plant has a foetid odour, but this disappears when it is boiled[2]. The cabbage-like folded heads are eaten raw as a delicacy[183]. Root - cooked[2, 4]. It needs to be steeped in order to remove a bitterness[74]. A starch extracted from the roots is used to make a porridge[74]. A gum-resin from the root is used as a food flavouring[171]. It is an essential ingredient of worcester sauce, it is also used to flavour a wide range of dishes and drinks[183]. It is popular in natural food cuisine as a garlic substitute[183]. The resin obtained from this plant is probably the foulest-smelling of all herbs, with a sulpherous garlic-like odour[7, 238]. It is so nauseating to some people that it has been nicknamed 'dung of the devil'[7]. However, in judicious quantities it gives a surprisingly pleasant flavour to many foods[238].

For further Ferula asafoetida gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future