Once you get over the name 'Devil's Dung'! and you have the opportunity to inhale it's aroma - you will understand why is is so aptly named! This spice is known as ‘Asofoetida’ (pronounced Ass-a-feh-te-dah). It is derived from the resin or sap that oozes from an incision in the rhizome of a giant fennel species (Ferula foetida). Native to the Middle East, Ferula foetida is commercially cultivated in India.

Despite its odour, Asafoetida has some positive characteristics. Some ayurvedic practitioners recommend it to treat digestive disorders,  prescribe it as a cardiac tonic, a natural blood thinning agent, and to improve vision.

Devil's Dung is available in most Indian grocery stores.  The putrid odour that exudes from the spice can only be contained if it is well wrapped after immediately after use and stored in a hermetically sealed container.  Leave it open in your kitchen at your peril!  

Once you are over the acrid and bitter taste, the spice mellows and amplifies the flavour of food.  Commonly referred to by the Indian community as 'Hing'. it is that peculiar flavour you can sometimes taste in authentic Indian cuisine!

Enjoy the video by Uma Swaminathan from herbaltransformations.net, be adventurous and give this unusual spice a try - and give your taste buds a workout!