Asafoetida (Noun)
Meaning
The brownish gum resin of various plants; has strong taste and odor; formerly used as an antispasmodic.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Asafoetida is a key ingredient in many traditional Indian and Middle Eastern dishes, where its strong flavor is valued for adding depth to various recipes.
- The smell of asafoetida lingers long after cooking and is pungent, often requiring cooks to handle it carefully.
- Due to its former use as an antispasmodic, asafoetida has a place in historical medicine and natural healing practices.
- Ground asafoetida is typically mixed with water or used in combination with other spices to dilute its potency in dishes.
- Before refrigeration, asafoetida served multiple purposes: it added flavor and preserved food.