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    Because of its strong and sulphurous smell it was called "Devil's dung" in German. It was also used as a condiment by the early Romans and was worth its weight in gold. What is this plant?

    Question #73737. Asked by tragic_flawed. (Dec 26 06 2:15 AM)


    bbaker22

    		Asafetida

    http://www.northdaysimage.ca/asafetidatxt.html

    Dec 26 06, 6:27 AM
    skysmom65

    		Asafoetida, the gum resin prized as a condiment in India and Iran, is obtained chiefly from plant Ferula asafetida. The Latin name ferula means "carrier" or "vehicle". Asa is a latinized form of Farsi asa "resin ", and Latin foetidus means "smelling, fetid". A related species (F.vulgaris), native to the Mediterranean, is mentioned in the Greek mythology as the plant that helped Prometheus to carry the stolen fire from the Sun to the Earth. It has been suggested that stone-age nomad tribes might have indeed used the hollow stems to transport fire between their camps. It was used as a flavouring in the kitchens of ancient Rome.

    http://www.harvestfields.ca/CookBooks/spice/asafoetida.htm

    Dec 26 06, 8:13 AM

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