Asafoetida
Ferula foetida

Family: Apiaceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 2 m tall and 1.5 m wide.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in deserts. It needs a sunny position. It suits hardiness zones 7-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, Central Asia, China, Europe, Greece, India, Indochina, Iran, Mediterranean, Middle East, Tajikistan, Turkey, Türkiye, Turkestan, Uzbekistan

How it is used for food

The gum has a garlic like taste. The roots and leaves are eaten as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves, gum, spice

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Devil's dung, Hing, Kamol, Sassik kovrak

Synonyms

Ferula scorodosma Bentley & Trimen; Scorodosma foetidum Bunge;