Asafoetida is the dried latex (gum oleoresin) exuded from the living underground rhizome or tap root of several species of Ferula (three of which grow in India), which is a perennial herb(1 to 1.5 mtr High). The species are distributed from the Mediterranean region to central Asia. In India, it is grown in Kashmir and in some parts of Punjab. The major supply of Asafoetida to India is from Afghanistan and Iran. There are two main varieties of Asafoetida ie. Hing Kabuli Sufaid (Milky white Asafoetida) and HingLal (Red Asafoetida). Asafoetida is acrid and bitter in taste and emits a strong disagreeable pungent odor due to the presence of Sulphur compounds therein.

The white or pale variety is water-soluble, whereas the dark or black variety, is oil soluble. Since pure Asafoetida is not preferred due to its strong �avour, it is mixed with starch and gum and sold as compounded Asafoetidamostly in bricked form. It is also available in free sowing (Powder form)printable forms. Asafoetida is extensively used for favouring curries, sauces, and pickles. It is also used in medicines because of its antibiotic properties.