asafoetida

/ ˌæsəˈfɛtɪdə /

noun

1. a bitter resin with an unpleasant onion-like smell, obtained from the roots of some umbelliferous plants of the genus Ferula: formerly used as a carminative, antispasmodic, and expectorant

Word History and Origins

Origin of asafoetida¹

C14: from Medieval Latin, from asa gum (compare Persian azā mastic) + Latin foetidus evil-smelling, fetid

Example Sentences

I mean fenugreek and asafoetida.

From Salon

It was interesting to see how some of the cheftestants were totally unclear on certain Indian ingredients, such as jaggery or asafoetida.

From Salon

The abundant dried spices — including sweet and nutty fenugreek; fruity, bright-red Kashmiri chile powder; and savory asafoetida — are as irreplaceable as the beans and lentils themselves, creating a symphony of fiery heat, sweetness, nuttiness and savory, smoky depth.

From Salon

Asafoetida, a spice used in several South Asian cuisines, works too.

From Salon

Some food historians believe it was widely used alongside silphion, an aromatic cousin that has now become extinct, leading asafoetida to lose its appeal as well, especially since it was seen as "inferior" given its distinct scent.

From BBC