Asafoetida is a dried, resinous gum collected from the rhizome of three species of the Ferula (Giant Fennel) plant which is then ground to a fine powder. It is also known as Hing. It has a very strong, pungent smell and the flavour mellows as it is fried in oil. When cooked it has a truffle-like flavour and a roasted garlic aroma.