Content
- 1 Asafoetida - what is this seasoning
- 2 What does asafoetida look like and where does it grow?
- 3 Chemical composition and nutritional value of asafoetida
- 4 What taste and smell does Asafetida have
- 5 Useful properties of asafoetida
- 6 The use of asafetida in traditional medicine
- 7 The use of spices in cosmetology
- 8 Asafoetida in homeopathy
- 9 How to use asafoetida in cooking
- 10 Contraindications to the use of asafoetida
- 11 How to choose and store asafoetida seasoning
- 12 Conclusion
- 13 Reviews about Asafetide
The beneficial properties of asafoetida and contraindications are of particular interest to herbalists and doctors from all over the world. It is the resin of the amazing Anjudan plant. In cooking, it is used ground. The seasoning is famous for its pronounced spicy aroma and the ability to regulate the functioning of the digestive system.
Asafoetida - what is this seasoning
Asafoetida is an Indian spice well known to lovers of Asian food. It is obtained by processing the resin of the biennial plant ferula. The result is a powdered spice with a distinct taste and aroma. It comes to the shelves as a mixture with the addition of gum arabic and rice flour. Another name for asafoetida is hiltite. It is famous for its unique composition that provides a number of beneficial properties. Asafoetida is also used in alternative medicine. It is known to be an effective antispasmodic and pain reliever.
A distinctive feature of the spice asafoetida, the photo of which is presented below, is a long and laborious cooking method. In ancient times, to collect resin, gourmets had to go to the mountains in search of a five-year ferula. This process could take several months.
What does asafoetida look like and where does it grow?
Asafoetida is a powder that ranges from milky to dark brown in color. The saturation of the taste directly depends on the intensity of the color of the seasoning. Iran, India, Afghanistan, as well as South and North Asia are considered its homeland. The herb from which the seasoning is made prefers mountainous terrain and a warm climate.
Chemical composition and nutritional value of asafoetida
The beneficial effect of asafoetida on the human body is due to the content of a huge amount of useful substances. The seasoning is 20-60% resin. It contains gum and ferulic acid esters. The spicy aroma that appears when the seasoning is heated is due to the diallyl disulfide content. This substance is found in onions and garlic. That is why the seasoning is so similar to them in its aroma. It contains the following substances:
- niacin;
- carotene;
- riboflavin;
- manganese;
- chromium;
- cellulose;
- phosphorus;
- coumarins;
- copper;
- zinc;
- iron;
- magnesium.
Due to the rich content of nutrients, the seasoning has a beneficial effect on the immune system. It also has the ability to trigger metabolic processes in the body and normalize the digestion process. Asafoetida can be used by people watching their weight.100 g of seasoning contains only 0.1 kcal. The nutritional value is presented in the following ratio:
- proteins - 0.1 g;
- fats - 0.1 g;
- carbohydrates - 0.1 g.
What taste and smell does Asafetida have
A distinctive feature of asafoetida is a rich garlic smell. He is very pronounced and corrosive. After consuming the seasoning in food, the aftertaste lasts for a long time. The seasoning has a sharp taste with characteristic bitterness.
Useful properties of asafoetida
Asafoetida is famous for its long list of beneficial properties. They allow you to use it not only in cooking, but also for medicinal purposes. The seasoning has become widespread in Arabic medicine. It fully complies with traditional Ayurvedic canons. The most significant beneficial properties of asafoetida include:
- carminative action;
- normalization of digestion;
- improving joint mobility;
- accelerating the recovery process after childbirth;
- normalization of the gonads and adrenal glands;
- increased appetite;
- calming effect on the psyche;
- getting rid of parasitic diseases;
- treatment of respiratory diseases;
- lowering blood pressure;
- elimination of painful sensations;
- elimination of free radicals from the body;
- toning the body.
The use of asafetida in traditional medicine
Asafoetida can be used to eliminate various diseases. It can act as a stand-alone tool and complement the main therapy. The spice is used to prepare alcoholic tinctures, emulsions and decoctions. In Ayurveda, it is found as the main component of fortifying agents.
Infertility treatment
To restore reproductive function, asafoetida is taken with honey and goat's milk. The components are slightly heated over low heat until a homogeneous liquid is obtained. The resulting product is taken in 1 tbsp. a day for a month.
With angina
To eliminate sore throat with angina, a pinch of asafoetida is mixed with ½ tsp. turmeric. The resulting mixture is poured with warm water. The solution is used for gargling 3-4 times a day.
Toothache
In case of a toothache, use a remedy of ½ tsp. asafoetida and 1 tsp. lemon juice. The components are mixed and heated in any convenient way. The resulting liquid is rinsed in the oral cavity. This helps to significantly reduce the intensity of painful sensations.
How to take asafoetida for flatulence
For flatulence, a multicomponent mixture of asafoetida, cardamom and fennel is used. All ingredients are taken in the same ratio. The resulting mixture is poured with hot water and infused for 2 hours. Ready infusion is taken in small sips in a cooled form. It helps relieve abdominal discomfort and normalize stool. It must be taken within 2-3 days.
How to take asafoetida for parasites
Asafoetida is effective against lamblia, helminths and pinworms. Due to this, it eliminates the cause of dermatosis, scabies and demodicosis. To get rid of parasites, it is enough to add seasoning to your usual dishes. You can also use it as a solution. A pinch of asafoetida is poured into ½ tbsp. water. The resulting solution is taken daily for 2 weeks. This method of treatment helps to get rid of not only parasites, but also of the toxins that they release.
The use of spices in cosmetology
Asafoetida was also used in cosmetology. But it is not recommended for women with oily skin.The seasoning activates the sebaceous glands, which enhances the shine on the skin. Thanks to its anti-aging effect, it helps to prevent the appearance of the first age-related changes. In addition, the improvement of the skin condition is carried out by removing toxins and heavy metals from the body.
Asafoetida is often used as a cosmetic to eliminate freckles and scars. It also treats warts and lichen spots quite easily. For hair loss, the seasoning is used in conjunction with vinegar.
Asafoetida in homeopathy
Asafoetida can be found in many homeopathic remedies. They are used to normalize digestion and eliminate nervous disorders. Some remedies with its content help to get rid of flatulence and indigestion. The positive effect of homeopathic remedies is observed in relation to headaches. Especially in cases where migraine is caused by inadequate blood flow to the vessels of the brain. Among other things, seasoning is often used as an active component of dietary supplements that stimulate sexual activity. They are used by both women and men.
How to use asafoetida in cooking
The main value of asafoetida lies in its taste. She has become an indispensable attribute of Asian cuisine. The seasoning gives the dish a rich spicy aroma and unusual taste. It goes very well with cereals. In India, asafoetida is used in the filling of savory baked goods. It is often combined with other spices.
Asafoetida is acceptable for use during weight loss. First of all, this is due to its low calorie content. Asafoetida makes the dish more interesting, but does not increase its nutritional value. At the same time, it improves the digestion of food and prevents the development of constipation.
Where to add asafoetida
The seasoning can be added to all dishes where ground dried garlic would be appropriate. She is able to become his full replacement. Hiltit perfectly complements meat, vegetable and cereal dishes. In Asian countries, it is often added when cooking rice. In South and West India, the seasoning is often added to canned food. It is considered the most appropriate as part of difficult to digest dishes. Sometimes asafoetida is added in the making of tortillas and beans. When added to vegetable salads, it enhances their natural taste. If the seasoning is presented in its pure form, then it is used in minimal dosages, since it is sufficiently concentrated.
How to replace asafoetida in a recipe
Asafoetida is sold in specialized shops and grocery stores. But in Russia it is not found everywhere. However, it is permissible to replace the seasoning with other products in the recipe. For these purposes, you can use:
- fresh garlic;
- white pepper mixed with ground garlic;
- onion;
- a mixture of salt, chili, ginger, turmeric, black mustard and cardamom.
Contraindications to the use of asafetida
Asafoetida can be not only beneficial but also harmful. Therefore, before using it, it is very important to familiarize yourself with the contraindications. These include:
- individual intolerance;
- skin diseases;
- high body temperature;
- pregnancy;
- age under 12;
- increased acidity of the stomach;
- peptic ulcer.
In some cases, the use of seasoning in food provokes the development of side effects. These include indigestion and exacerbation of chronic diseases. Sometimes the seasoning causes hives. It is a red rash on the body, the appearance of which is accompanied by itching. In this case, the problem is neutralized by antihistamines.Excessive amounts of hiltitis in the diet can cause stomach pain. If the stool is disturbed, it is necessary to temporarily stop using the seasoning.
How to choose and store asafoetida seasoning
In large supermarkets, the seasoning is sold in the health food section. In most cases it is found in combination with rice flour or ground acacia resin. In this form, the spice is less concentrated. When choosing a spice, you need to pay attention to its appearance. It should be uniform in color and free flowing. It is equally important to pay attention to the country of production. The best quality seasoning is considered to be made in Afghanistan. But India may also be the place of production.
Growing asafoetida at home is a rather painstaking process, since the plant requires certain conditions. The easiest way is to purchase a finished product.
Seasoning requires a special approach to storage. It should be kept in a tightly closed container. Otherwise, her smell will fill the entire kitchen. If the seasoning was originally sold in a jar, then it is this that should be used as a storage container. Additionally, it is advisable to wrap the container in a film or bag. Store the seasoning in a dry and cool place. When ground, it retains its qualities throughout the year, and in the form of pieces - for several years.
Conclusion
Useful properties of asafoetida and contraindications must be studied in advance. When used correctly, the spice brings significant health benefits and variety to your diet. The main thing is not to use it if there are contraindications.
Reviews about Asafetide
